President Moon: "Icheon Fire, Heavy Responsibility... On Buddha's Birthday, a Pledge for 'Life and Safety'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] On the 30th, marking Buddha's Birthday, President Moon Jae-in said, "A compassionate heart that regards the pain of neighbors as my own pain is our strength and hope," adding, "On the occasion of Buddha's Birthday, we reaffirm our commitment to a country where life and safety come first."

On the same day, President Moon posted on his Facebook under the title "When neighbors are in pain, I am in pain too," stating, "Many people lost their lives in the Icheon fire," and "It is very unfortunate that such a tragedy occurred while everyone is working hard to overcome the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and I feel an even greater sense of responsibility." He continued, "I deeply mourn those who suffered from this unexpected accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," and expressed gratitude, saying, "I also thank the firefighters who worked hard for extinguishing the fire and rescue."

President Moon said, "On the morning of Buddha's Birthday, the hearts of Buddhists and monks must also be uneasy," and added, "I hope that with Buddha's compassionate heart, they will pray for the repose of the deceased and comfort the bereaved families."

He stated, "Whenever the country faces difficulties, Buddhism has united the hearts of the people to overcome national crises and shared the pain," and regarding the COVID-19 situation, he said, "Even now, through the practice of 'clean temple,' social distancing is being maintained, leading the efforts to overcome the infectious disease." He also expressed appreciation, saying, "Buddhists embrace neighbors in need through donations and sharing, and monks have returned their alms and opened temple stays free of charge for exhausted medical workers," adding, "The warm heart of the Buddhist community has always been a strength to the people."

Furthermore, he said, "From today until the 30th of next month, when the Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony will be held, temples nationwide will begin 'prayers for healing and overcoming COVID-19,'" and quoted Ven. Beopjeong's words, "'The time and place where one practices Buddha's wisdom and love is the place where Buddha comes,' saying that every day sharing joy and hope, sorrow and worries with the people will be Buddha's Birthday."

President Moon concluded his message by saying, "We will overcome COVID-19 and the sorrow of the Icheon fire and surely create our new daily life," and "On Buddha's Birthday, I pray that the hearts of mutual reliance and encouragement deepen and that the pain is healed by Buddha's 'great compassion'."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.