Jogye Order Chief Administrator "If Ma-aebul Statue Cannot Be Erected, Consideration of Underground Passage Viewing"

"Ma-aebul, Goal is to Erect... If Not Possible, Plan B"
"Sometimes Scold Politicians Who Visit... Striving for Harmony"

The work to erect the Gyeongju Ma-ae-bul, known as the "5 cm Miracle" because the face and nose area were found fallen about 5 cm apart, is expected to be possible as early as the year after next, according to Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Currently, the possibility of damage and cracks is being examined, and if it proves unfeasible, plans to abandon the erection and instead create an underground viewing passage are being considered.

On the morning of the 26th, Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, delivered a greeting at a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration held at the Buddhist Central Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

At a press conference held on the 26th at the Buddhist Culture and History Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the first anniversary of his appointment as Chief Executive, Jinwoo Sunim said, "The primary goal is to erect it," but added, "If the cultural heritage committee judges that erection is impossible, then we are considering a second plan involving an underground passage for viewing."

The restoration work is currently progressing slowly. Jinwoo Sunim explained, "The land is managed by Gyeongju City, and the statue is overseen by the Cultural Heritage Administration, so the process is complicated," and he estimated that it would be possible to erect it at the earliest by the year after next. Various permits, budgets, and management issues need to be resolved, and simulations will be conducted to erect a stone of the same weight as the statue. The Gyeongju Namsan Ma-ae-bul, discovered on May 22, 2007, near the Namsan Yeolamgok Seokbuljwasang, is estimated to weigh about 70 to 80 tons. It measures approximately 6.8 meters in length, 4 meters in width, and 2.9 meters in thickness.

Gyeongju Namsan Yeolamgok Rock-Carved Buddha Statue

Jinwoo Sunim also emphasized his efforts in the religious role to end confrontation and conflict. Responding to criticism that political leaders do not show efforts to resolve conflicts or receive Buddhist teachings, he said, "Many politicians visit the Chief Executive. Although it is not well reported, there are many instances of admonishment and attempts to promote harmony."

He continued, "However, in the midst of sharp factional logic, if I publicly criticize, there is a high probability it will be twisted into a false equivalence, and each side might interpret it self-servingly, leading to another political argument," adding, "In that regard, there is a very cautious aspect."

Regarding government subsidies received in lieu of abolishing admission fees for cultural heritage at temples nationwide, he stated, "The state should provide a certain level of protection, management, and operation for cultural heritage designated as national treasures, treasures, or local cultural assets," emphasizing the government's role by saying, "From now on, support should be provided as a matter of course as national cultural heritage, not just in terms of admission fees."

Concerning the decline in the number of monastic entrants, he revealed that measures such as supporting university tuition and dormitory costs and commissioning graduates as Buddhist military chaplains have been prepared. Jinwoo Sunim explained, "We are researching various propagation methods to increase the number of young Buddhists."

Furthermore, he expressed his determination to develop and promote so-called "K-Meditation" in the future. Jinwoo Sunim said, "While operating meditation programs through temples nationwide, we need to quickly establish meditation centers in urban areas," and added, "We are planning to build a meditation research institute and related auxiliary facilities to establish a genuine Korean 'K-Meditation Headquarters.'"

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