On October 1, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism held an inauguration ceremony for Most Ven. Jinwoo at 2:00 p.m. on a special stage at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul. Approximately 5,000 members of the Fourfold community attended the ceremony, including Jogye Order Elders, abbots of headquarters temples, Central Council members, and representatives from other Buddhist orders affiliated with the Association of Korean Buddhist Orders, including the Head of the Cheontae Order’s General Secretariat. Representatives of lay organizations were also present, including the president of the Central Lay Buddhists’ Association. Government and political figures, including U.S. Ambassador Michelle Park Steel, as well as lay Buddhists gathered from across the country, also attended this solemn occasion.

In his inaugural address, Most Ven. Jinwoo stated, “If the past four years were a time to lay the foundation for the Jogye Order’s stability and new changes, now is the time to take a vigorous leap toward the next hundred years of Korean Buddhism on that foundation.” He went on to highlight that even amid the advancement of material civilization, anxiety, loneliness, anger, and conflict are on the rise. He emphasized by saying, “We are now in an era where the development of spiritual civilization is just as urgent as that of material civilization.”

He proposed popularizing the Seon meditation as the first step toward this goal. Most Ven. Jinwoo stated, “Just as we exercise daily for physical health, training to cultivate the mind is necessary for mental well-being,” adding, “The 38th Administration will promote Seon meditation as a national movement of the mind so that everyone can maintain inner peace in their daily lives.”

He also presented the missions of the new administration, namely, “practicing compassion for the socially vulnerable,” “realizing a pure monastic sangha where practitioners are respected,” “harmony and reform based on fairness, empathy, and a shared spirit,” and “preserving and globalizing Buddhist cultural heritage.” He pledged, “I will begin by listening humbly. However, I will not back down when faced with what must be done.”

“Over the past four years, he has led the Order with stability, enhancing the sense of pride in a harmonious sangha and demonstrating Buddhism's potential for the future,” said Master Jungbong Seongpa, Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, in the Dharma address read by Ven. Jagwang, Chairman of the Council of Elders. Master Jungbong Seongpa also praised the reappointment of Most Ven. Jinwoo, saying, 'If you humbly accept the will of the Order's members, establish a pure monastic sangha and lead the way towards the revival of Buddhism in accordance with the Dharma, the merit you will accumulate will be considerable.”

During the inauguration ceremony, a donation was made in support of the practice of compassion. Most Ven. Jinwoo presented $100,000 in relief funds to the charge d’affaires of the Nepalese embassy in Korea to support victims of the massive floods in Nepal, and 100 million won to the chairperson of the Jogye Order’s Social and Labor Committee to support its activities for the socially vulnerable.

Congratulatory messages followed from various sectors. In an address read by the Senior Secretary for Civic and Social Integration from the Blue House, President Lee Jae-myung stated, “I am delighted that Most Ven. Jinwoo, who has led the order with teachings of compassion and harmony and illuminated the future of Korean Buddhism, has been reappointed as the 38th President of the Jogye Order.” He added, ‘Buddhism’s tradition of meditation for mastering the mind and its teachings of compassion, which foster mutual empathy for others’ suffering, will offer solace to those who have lost their inner peace and guide our society toward harmony beyond division.’” In addition, the Chairperson of the Central Council of the Order, the Chairperson of the Korean Religious Leaders’ Conference for Peace, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, the Head of the Cheontae Order’s General Secretariat, and the Chairperson of the Central Lay Buddhists’ Association also delivered congratulatory remarks.