Celebrating the Buddha’s Birthday

Citizens of Korea, fellow Buddhists,  

How peaceful and happy is your mind right now?

Today, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Sakyamuni Buddha for his presence among us and share with you all the joy of celebrating his birthday amidst the warmth and vibrancy of spring all around us. 

Unfortunately, the world we live in is full of turmoil rather than peace,

confrontation rather than unity, and misunderstanding rather than understanding.

That's why, at this moment, it is even more urgent than ever to honor the Buddha's words when he came to this earth.

“I am the only one in heaven and earth.”

This cry rang out at the time of Sakyamuni Buddha's birth. It was not a call to arrogance and self-righteousness, but a reminder that all life is equally precious. In these words, we learn why we should respect each other and learn to live together.

It is time for all of us to take a step forward on the path of peace and harmony taught by Sakyamuni Buddha. If we put aside confrontation and antagonism and join the path of understanding and unity, that is true wisdom, that is the Buddha's path that we must walk together.

True peace does not come from the outside. It comes from within.

We can find true peace by attending to and managing our own mind through the practice of Seon meditation. With the power of this practice, we can heal each other's pain,

share our joys, and create a world of coexistence and harmony.

May the light of compassion and wisdom shine upon all life on earth on the anniversary of Sakyamuni Buddha's birth in B.E. 2569 (2025).

Most Ven. Jinwoo

President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism