Jungbong Seongpa, daejongsa

Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

Even in the cold wind, the barley shoots in the fields beneath Mt. Yeongchuk are green, and the clear waters of Bogyeong Lake reflect the numinous mountain. Mountains and rivers are full of life with vegetation, always ready to shoot out in the spring even when it is cold, snowy, or stormy. 

At every temple, the monastic community works together in harmony to facilitate winter retreats for intensive Ganhwa Seon practice. Hwadus are shattered and these spiritual heroes come out to the world with the cool energy that chills the houses on fire and brings nectar to soothe sentient beings suffering from conflict and strife.     

We pray for the happiness of all beings, whose original nature is already pure, and for the land to transform itself into the Pure Land. Sentient beings are already fully enlightened. May they live their lives with the wisdom and virtue of Tathagata, and all sorts of disasters and difficulties liberate themselves by turning into opportunities. May all beings attain the wisdom that we are all one. 

Like barley sprouts ready for spring in the midst of a harsh winter, we are getting ready for a glorious new spring. When they finally bloom, the spring flowers will be all the more fragrant and their petals will be all the more vivid.  

Gyeokseoktanseong yeojeongo 激石灘聲如戰鼓

Beoncheonnangsaek saeunsan 飜天浪色似銀山

 Tangyeongrangta punggyeomu 灘驚浪打風兼雨

 Dokripjeongjeong euiuhan 獨立亭亭意愈

The sound of water hitting the rocks of the stream reverberates like war drums,

The spray of water covers the sky like silver mountains.

The waves beat the wind and rain together,

But the heart of the heron standing alone in the water is at peace.