The Headquarters of the Jogye Order’s Affiliated Organizations for Far-sighted Plans Established

The Ordinance for the Establishment and Operation of the “Headquarters of the Jogye Order’s Affiliated Organizations for Far-sighted Plans” was adopted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Headquarters at the religious affairs meeting on January 11. The Far-sighted Plans Headquarters, announced to be formed by Ven. Jaseung, the President of the Jogye Order, at the New Year’s press conference, will serve as a main body which integrates six affiliated organizations for future plans and strategies.

The operation of the affiliated organizations of the Jogye Order Headquarters regarding long-term plans, such as the Resolution for Introspection and Reform Committee, the Jogye Order Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Society, the Public Forum for 100 Four-fold Community Members, the Committee for Future Generations and the Committee for Buddhist Policies Development, will all be integrated and governed by the newly established main body from now on. The three key goals of the new institution for fundamental transformation of the Order include nurturing the Sangha communities to put the Buddha’s teachings into practice; reforming operation of Buddhist temples; and reforming Buddhist practice and renewing ideal principles of Buddhists.  

The primary projects which will be conducted by the new organization are as follows:

-undertaking research on changes of future society and solutions based on Buddhist teachings;

-setting up future strategies and action plans of the Jogye Order by reflecting social phenomena and current issues;

-coming up with the solutions aiming at reconciliation of social conflicts and resolution of disputes;

-studying democratic decision making institutions and establishing an equal discussion platform opened to all members of the Order;

-undertaking a variety of research, study and publication work;

-carrying out research on the Order’s policy development.

The new organization will be led by the Chief of the Far-sighted Plans Headquarters, with the support of the Advisory Committee, Operations Committee, the Jogye Order Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Society, sub-Committees, the Secretariat led by the Secretary General. The Advisory Committee, importantly, consists of high-ranking monks with considerable experience in administrative, legislative and judiciary policies of the Jogye Order, and relevant guidance is expected to be provided. With the establishment of the organization focused on long-term strategies, the Ordinance for the Resolution for Introspection and Reform Committee and the Jogye Order Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Society is no longer effective.

Meanwhile, Ven. Jaseung, the President of the Jogye Order, appointed Ven. Ilgam who served as the Secretary General of the Resolution for Introspection and Reform Committee as the Secretary General of the Far-sighted Plans Headquarters. Highlighting wide experience and comprehensive knowledge of Ven. Ilgam who served five different positions of the Jogye Order Headquarters, Ven. Jaseung asked the Secretary General to devotedly support the work from the long-term perspective which could be unnoticed by the Administrative Headquarters.

§ Translation of the original article in Korean:

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