Solemn Observance of the Funeral Ceremony for Great Lineage Master Haebong Jaseung,

the 33^rd and 34^th President of the Jogye Order

The funeral ceremony for Great Lineage Master Haebong Jaseung, the 33^rd and 34^th President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, was solemnly held at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul on December 3, 2567 BE (2023), attended by about 8,000 people from the fourfold community, including the Buddhist community and political officials.

In his eulogy, Ven. Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, expressed his longing, saying, "Your footprints from the 40-day intensive practice and walking pilgrimage to India are still visible; your warm energy absorbed into the cushion you sat on for 100 days of winter Seon practice at Sangwol Seon Center in Wirye New Town has not yet dissipated; and the sweat from your brow that fell on the pilgrimage paths that connect the Three Jewel Temples of Korea is still there even now." Ven. President Jinwoo pledged to continue and carry on the will of Great Lineage Master Jaseung, saying, "We will walk together on the path of propagating the Buddha dharma with the slogan, 'Let’s spread the Buddha dharma,' a slogan that combines the power of the late master's practice and his last teaching."

Great Lineage Master Seongpa, Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, expressed regret in his memorial speech, saying, "Earlier this year, I saw off Ven. Jaseung on his pilgrimage to India and asked him to return home safely after completing the pilgrimage, but today I am devastated to face this occasion." He added, "If there are no hindrances to both principles and phenomena, the place of arising is also the place of non-arising."

President Yoon Seok-yeol, who visited the memorial altar a day before the funeral ceremony to pay his respects, said, "Most Ven. Jaseung was a great elder of Korean Buddhism who practiced leadership with inclusiveness and social integration, reflecting the Buddhist spirit of the reconciliation of differences." He continued, "From the tent practice community of Sangwol Seon Center that prayed while embracing the pain of the living, to the pilgrimages of compassion to overcome national crises and promote Buddhism, and to the 43-day, 1,167km pilgrimage to India for world peace, every moment that the late Ven. Jaseung walked will live forever in the history of Korean Buddhism."

Buddhist communities around the world also sent condolences to mourn the loss of Great Lineage Master Jaseung. During his tenure as president of the Jogye Order, Great Lineage Master Jaseung actively engaged in international exchange activities under the banner of "the globalization of Korean Buddhism" and strived for harmony between Buddhism and other religions.

Overseas Buddhist communities recalled that the power of Great Lineage Master Jaseung's vows for the revival of Buddhism had a great influence on the history of Buddhism around the world. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) lamented, "With his passing, the IBC and entire Buddhist community has lost an exemplary Dharma leader." Ven. Shishin, president of the Japan-Korea Buddhist Exchange Association, said, "As president of the Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Association, Ven. Jaseung made a great contribution to friendly exchange by personally teaching and leading the neighborly friendship between the Buddhist associations of Korea and Japan." Venerable Xinbao, abbot of Fo Guang Shan Temple in Taiwan, paid tribute by saying, "The fourfold community of Fo Guang Shan Temple and all Buddhists around the world express their deepest condolences."

In addition, the overseas Buddhist communities looked back on the leadership and compassion shown by Great Lineage Master Jaseung during his lifetime. Ven. Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, a member of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, recalled, "His efforts demonstrated a firm commitment to the ideals of compassion, understanding, and unity." Ven. Phallop Thaiarry, president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) also expressed his condolences, saying, "The WFB remains deeply grateful for his kindness." Ven. Thich Thien Non, President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said, "Great Master Haebong Jaseung provided wise and compassionate leadership during a time of great change and challenge. He was a true visionary who guided the Jogye Order into the 21st century with strength and grace."

Many other dignitaries sent messages of condolence, including Ven. Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Vice Chancellor of Vietnam Buddhist University, Mr. Chhime R. Chhoekyapa, Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the American Embassy in Seoul.

Following the recorded voice of Great Lineage Master Jaseung, the fourfold community collectively chanted the "Declaration of Dharma Propagation," and pledged to carry on his last teaching as his body left the main dharma hall of Jogyesa Temple. Having offered his last three prostrations to the buddhas enshrined in the main dharma hall, his body passed through the courtyard of Jogyesa Temple and through the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall. Then, in front of the One Pillar Gate of Jogyesa Temple, the "road memorial ceremony" was offered, announcing his final journey. His body was transported to the lotus pedestal prepared at Yongjusa Temple—head temple of the 2^nd religious district and his home temple—and was returned to the four great elements of earth, water, fire and air.