The Buddhist communities of Korea, China, and Japan have united in their commitment to promoting peace in Asia and around the world based on the Buddha’s teachings.

On April 1, Most Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, met with prominent international exchange committee members, including Ven. Xincheng, the vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, and Ven. Take Kakucho, the chairman of the Korea-China-Japan International Buddhist Exchange Association. The meeting took place in the reception room on the fourth floor of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall.

The delegation paid a visit to Most Ven. Jinwoo, who is also serving as the chair of the Korean Buddhist Orders Association, after they successfully concluded the preliminary meeting held in preparation for the 26th Korea-China-Japan Buddhist Goodwill Conference on March 31 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.

"As neighboring countries, Korea, China, and Japan seem to have an increasingly stronger bond and better communication," said Most Ven. Jinwoo. He added, "I am grateful that yesterday's meeting went well. We will prepare thoroughly so that the Goodwill Conference in Korea, to be held this fall, can showcase the true splendor of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju."

Venerable Xincheng, the vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, remarked, "As the chairman mentioned, our three nations have maintained friendly exchanges for over a thousand years. I believe the 'golden bond' within the Buddhist community is making a significant contribution to peace in Northeast Asia." He continued, "Let the chairmen of the three nations play a central role in developing this golden bond further so that we can contribute to world peace through the spirit of Buddhist compassion."

Ven. Take Kakucho, the chairman of the Korea-China-Japan International Buddhist Exchange Association, said, "I have high expectations for this year's Goodwill Conference at Bulguksa Temple, designated a World Heritage Site," adding, "Despite the tumultuous international situation, let us join hands as three nations."

Finally, the president of the Jogye Order responded, "Please convey my regards to the chairman of each country when you return," adding, "Let the three nations of Korea, China, and Japan join forces to guide East Asia forward."

The 26th Korea-China-Japan Buddhist Goodwill Conference will be held at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju from October 20 to 22 this year and explore the theme of "Social Contribution through Buddhist Practice."