Monk Jaseung Who Called for 'Jogye Order's Preparation for 10 Years Later' Passes Away
Suicide Note Presumed Memo Found Near Chiljangsa Fire Site
Former Jogye Order Chief Executive Monk Ja-seung passed away due to a fire that occurred on the night of the 29th at Chiljangsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. He was 69 years old.
A note presumed to be a suicide letter was also found, creating a sense of puzzlement as it contrasts with Monk Ja-seung’s recent emphasis on the "revitalization of the Jogye Order."
Monk Ja-seung had been the most influential figure in the Jogye Order for over a decade and was regarded as a symbolic figure who unified the sect, which had been plagued by intense internal factional disputes. Born in 1954 in Chuncheon, he received the novice precepts under Monk Jigwan at Haeinsa Temple in 1972. In 1974, he received full ordination under Monk Seokam at Beomeosa Temple. His mentor was Monk Jeongdae, the 30th Chief Executive of the Jogye Order.
From the 1980s, he held key positions within the Chief Executive Office, serving as chairman of the Jogye Order Central Council from 2006 to 2008, and as the 33rd and 34th Chief Executive from 2009 to 2017. Even after retirement, he maintained a significant presence within the sect. He served as the head of the Sangwol Gyeolsa (霜月結社), president of the Buddhist Plaza, the legislative body of the Jogye Order, and head of Bongeunsa Temple, participating in major decision-making within the sect. Sangwol Gyeolsa was a walking pilgrimage practice group established in 2019 centered around Monk Ja-seung, which last spring undertook a 1,167 km pilgrimage to sacred sites in India.
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Until recently, Monk Ja-seung consistently emphasized the need to prepare for "the Jogye Order’s next ten years" to revitalize the sect. At the central general meeting held last month at Dongguk University, he proposed initiatives such as the "World Buddhist Youth Conference," aimed at gathering young Buddhists from around the world to Korea, and the promotion of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Korea. For these reasons, there is considerable shock within the Jogye Order over Monk Ja-seung’s sudden passing.
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