Jogye Order Head Jinwoo Inaugurated: "Future Buddhism That Opens World Peace Together"

Venerable Jinwoo, the General Executive Chief of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, expressed his determination for his second term, stating, "We will open a new century of Korean Buddhism, moving from stability to a leap forward."

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the 38th General Executive Chief held today (October 1) at a special stage in Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, the headquarters of the Jogye Order, Venerable Jinwoo said, "Taking on the responsibilities of the General Executive Chief once again, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility rather than joy."

Venerable Jinwoo put forward "Future Buddhism That Opens World Peace Together" as the banner for his current term, stating, "In an era where peace of mind creates peace in the world, the Jogye Order will take the lead in opening that path."

To this end, he stated, "We will expand Seon meditation into a national mind movement," and proposed participation from the government, local governments, and neighboring religions.

He also promised, "We will practice compassion through actions rather than words, create a Sangha where practitioners are respected, and reform without stopping harmony."

He also conveyed his commitment to preserving Buddhist cultural heritage and sharing it with the world.

Venerable Jinwoo emphasized, "Korean Buddhism must no longer remain confined within mountain gates, but become a Buddhism that steps into the pain of the world, brings peace to the minds of the people, reaches out first to neighbors in need, and presents a new path of spiritual civilization to humanity."

He pledged, "I will begin by listening from a humble position. However, I will not back down when facing tasks that must be done. I will pour my utmost sincerity so that the Buddha's enlightenment unfolds within the world, bringing peace to the minds of the people, harmony to our society, and filling the entire world with compassion and peace."

Approximately 5,000 people attended today's inauguration ceremony, including the chairperson of the Jogyesa Council of Elders and the Central Council, head monks of diocesan headquarters, representatives of neighboring religious denominations and faiths, and political and governmental figures.

Socially vulnerable groups were also present, including bereaved families from the Sewol ferry, Itaewon, and Jeju Air passenger plane disasters, families of industrial accident victims, migrant workers, and sexual minority human rights activists.

President Lee Jae-myung said in a congratulatory speech read by Jeon Sung-hwan, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Petition and Integration, "Throughout Korean history, Buddhism has been more than just a religion; it has been a pillar that shouldered the hardships of the nation together. Our society faces many difficult challenges, such as a rapidly changing global order and social polarization. This is a time when the teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize communication, harmony, and coexistence, are needed."

He added, "I hope that under Venerable Jinwoo's exceptional insight and leadership, the Jogye Order will further flourish, and our Buddhism will shine the light of peace and compassion beyond this land to the entire world."

Park In-jun, head leader of the Cheondogyo Church and representative chairperson of the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace; Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul; and Venerable Deoksu, General Executive Chief of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism, also congratulated Venerable Jinwoo on his inauguration and prayed for inter-religious harmony through congratulatory remarks.

Today, Venerable Jinwoo delivered 100,000 USD (approximately 140 million Korean won) to the Embassy of Nepal in South Korea to aid recovery efforts for The Great Flood in Nepal, and 100 million won to the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation, which stands in solidarity with vulnerable groups.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.