Celebratory Remarks for Buddha's Birthday B.E 2568(2024)

Spring returns every year 

to illuminate our hearts with warm sunlight and mild breezes.

Young green leaves sway in the wind and dream of a bright, pure community.

Diverse flower buds show off their colors and blend together in a harmonious world of flower garlands.

The whole world pulses with joy 

and praises the coming of the Buddha to this secular world.

In the jubilance of these dazzling times, 

we reflect together on the true meaning of the Buddha’s coming.

The first thing the Buddha said when he was born was 

"Throughout Heaven and Earth, I alone am the honored one," 

meaning that the one who will bring peace to "my" mind is "me." 

The Buddha's next statement was, 

"The whole world is nothing but suffering. I will surely put suffering at ease." 

This also means that the one who will ease the suffering of "my" neighbors is also "me." 

When your mind is at peace, the world of buddhas, which is free from suffering, opens up.

Viewed with an unwavering, calm, and awakened mind, 

all things created by interdependent arising and all things created by cause and effect 

are complete in themselves.

An unhindered mind no longer dwells on its own comfort, benefits, and interests.

Then we cultivate a mind that clings to naught, 

and spontaneously practice compassionate acts of non-hindrance. 

When we create a world of togetherness and alleviate the pain of our neighbors, 

we are all buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Living in the secular world with an unenlightened mind, 

we find it difficult to escape from extreme views and acts. 

This is because when this arises, that too arises. 

All things are created by the mind alone. I create everything with my mind. 

If I am awakened to the nature of the mind and eliminate judging between extremes, 

the world will become the Pure Land. 

If you know this, your suffering will disappear, 

but if you don't know this, 

you will still remain on the universal hamster wheel, reaping the fruit of your own actions.

The world is currently suffering from the chaos of war. 

Our Korean society is also suffering 

from the world's lowest birth rate, an aging population, and stress. 

And as a result, we do not enjoy the abundance of mind that befits a developed country. 

Many young people lose hope and become frustrated due to too much time living alone, 

marrying late, and a lack of jobs. 

Our neighbors who are mentally and economically marginalized are also having a hard time.

The world has now progressed beyond the 4th Industrial Revolution of Information Technology, 

and we are entering the era of AI. 

However, no matter how scientific and materially wealthy a civilization becomes, 

it cannot easily eliminate the suffering within the human mind. 

Even if the world becomes a paradise, if one is uncomfortable in it, it is no better than hell. 

When your mind is enlightened and at peace, you will automatically know what to do. 

Then, every day is a good day, and every person you meet brings a good relationship. 

When each individual is awakened to their mind and creates their own inner peace, 

it is the only way to solve the problems of modern society. 

Intellectuals around the world already know this and are practicing meditation.

The upcoming 5th Industrial Revolution will bring a rebirth of a spiritual civilization. 

In order to improve our quality of life, we must cultivate the realm of the mind. 

Korea has preserved the tradition of biannual Seon practice retreats within the monastic community. 

This is the basis of a practice to pacify the minds of people that transcends religious boundaries. 

Based on Hwadu Seon, a tradition of Patriarchal Seon in Korean Buddhism, 

we will develop a Seon meditation program that encompasses modern meditation methods. 

This will help us contribute to the mental health of others 

and lay the foundation to lead the world's spiritual civilization.

It is Buddha's Birthday today. 

Finding peace of mind through Seon meditation, 

moving toward true happiness, 

and living in peaceful coexistence with our neighbors; 

that is to pass on the purpose of the Buddha's coming to this Earth.

Inhaling a single breath, we think about the relationships connecting us.

Holding this single breath inside, we think about the causes and effects of our actions.

Exhaling a single breath, 

we think of the silence where judging between happiness and suffering does not exist.

If we incorporate the six paramitas (generosity, ethics, patience, joyous effort, meditation, and wisdom)

and Seon meditation into our daily life, we will feel at peace.

It is said, "Because sentient beings suffer, bodhisattvas also suffer."

We must escape from suffering through the enlightenment of mind as demonstrated by the Buddha.

We must create a Pure Land through unhindered acts of compassion.

There should be no more confrontation and conflict. 

We must walk together without being obsessed with our differences. 

Our ancestors admonished, "Proceed beyond the top of the 100-foot pole." 

By realizing this truth, meaning that by letting go, a new path will open, 

we must abandon stubbornness and obsession, 

and move forward on the path of true communication and harmony.

By inheriting Korean traditional culture, which is the foundation of K-culture, 

Korean Buddhism will enhance our pride in our culture, 

and make K-content even more abundant based on the spirit 

of coexistence, consideration, and compassion for others as well as for nature.

We will build hope for a new future millennium, by "setting the rock-carved buddha upright," 

a buddha statue carved in the Unified Silla era and located in Yeoramgok Valley in Gyeongju, 

so that we can enjoy our cultural heritage more fully.

In response to the enthusiasm of our young people 

who attended the Buddhist Expo and Lantern Lighting Festival, 

we will create a more vibrant and youthful Korean Buddhism. 

We will create a "happier world possessing peace of mind."

Celebrating Buddha's Birthday 2568 Buddhist Era, 

I wish for all people to dwell in the great compassion and wisdom of the Buddha. 

I sincerely hope that you will find peace in your heart and strive for peace in the world.

Buddha's Birthday 2568 B.E

Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism