Jungbong Seongpa

Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

Not found in the thirty thousand scrolls of poetry and books,

Nor within the five thousand volumes of sutras and treatises.

The subtle, sacred meaning is already revealed before words;

Why toil over language to point the way again?

To practitioners of the Winter Retreat!

Across the meditation monasteries of the nation, a multitude of seekers have gathered, brimming with resolve to transcend the great matter of life and death.

The precepts are perfectly established, the practitioners harmonize under the six principles, and their minds are united with the sole focus of breaking through the Hwadu. This assembly of supreme practitioners has come together. Strengthened by the offerings and sincerity of lay supporters, all conditions are set for an uninterrupted and complete Winter Retreat.

With the same singular determination as a cat catching a mouse, you devote yourselves solely to breaking through the Hwadu. Your comings and goings from the monastery cease naturally, and the disputes and attachments of the world fade away on their own.

The fragrance of the practitioners' diligent efforts is like the cool pine breeze on a windless winter's road, dispelling all violence and war in the world. It is like the clear water flowing through the stream of the One Vehicle, purifying every pollution of the globe.

This is the merit of practice, which radiates widely throughout the Dharma realm. Thus, all practitioners should complete their retreat, purifying the world through their efforts.

The golden moon of autumn sky

Sheds its radiant light in every direction.

The hearts of sentient beings, like clear waters,

Reflect this light everywhere.