Buddhist communities from Korea and Japan gathered at Enryaku-ji, the head temple of Japan’s Tendai sect, to mark the 50th anniversary of Korea-Japan Buddhist exchanges. They reflected on the values of world peace and spiritual practice and pledged to expand future exchanges.

From June 17 to 20, the Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Council held the 43rd Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Conference at Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange began with its first conference in 1977 and marked its 50th anniversary this year. A total of 101 representatives from Korean and Japanese Buddhist communities (63 from Korea and 38 from Japan) attended this event. 

On the first day, the participants visited Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, followed by a visit to Sanjusangen-do Hall at Rengeoin Temple in Kyoto on the next day. Then, an academic lecture session was held on the theme of “Faith and Practice in the Modern Era,” featuring keynote speeches by Korean and Japanese representatives. The secretaries-general of the Council from both countries issued a joint declaration, and at the welcome banquet, they exchanged commemorative gifts and strengthened their friendship over traditional Japanese temple cuisine.

On the 19th, a prayer ceremony for world peace was held in the Konpon Chudo main hall of Enryaku-ji, officiated in accordance with the traditional rites of Japan’s Tendai School by the sect’s General Secretary.

Most Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Chairman of the Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Council, emphasized in his message for world peace, “Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the path by which all life regains its dignity and coexists in harmony,” adding, “True world peace can only be realized when it is supported by the inner peace and spiritual practice of each and every one of us.” He then prayed for peace of mind through the Seon meditation.

During the conference, participants continued their discussions by visiting Japanese Buddhist sites such as Toji Temple in Kyoto and Miidera Temple in Shiga Prefecture. The Council stated, “As we mark half a century of exchanges, Buddhism in both countries is reaching a new turning point,” and added that this served as an “opportunity to jointly explore ways to continue these exchanges for future generations based on trust and friendship.”

In the joint declaration titled “Faith and Practice in the Modern Age,” the Council pledged to apply the Buddha’s teachings to practice in daily life, accurately interpret history and tradition, and maintain spiritual practices to cultivate the mind. They also agreed that Korean and Japanese Buddhists would respect each other’s traditions and differences and continue to cooperate for world peace and mutual prosperity.