"May You Rest in Paradise" Condolence Messages from Ruling and Opposition Parties on the Passing of Monk Jaseung

Former Jogye Order Chief Executive Monk Jaseung passed away suddenly in a fire on the 29th, prompting expressions of condolence from both ruling and opposition parties in the political sphere.

Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, posted on his social media (SNS) on the 30th, "I mourn the passing of Former Chief Executive Monk Jaseung," adding, "During my time as the leader of the Grand National Party, I maintained worldly ties with him and always received his teachings. His sudden passing is deeply shocking."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "I can still vividly see him jokingly saying we were the same age by worldly standards," and added, "May he be reborn in the Pure Land."

Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, also said, "The monk was a great elder in the Buddhist community who emphasized harmony through 'Dongsim Dongdeok (同心同德)'?unity of heart and virtue." He added, "'A tree must shed its flowers to bear fruit, and a river must leave the river to reach the sea'?these words are like a warning bell given to the political world. Following Monk Jaseung's teachings, I will strive to gather more hearts to lead politics that fosters harmony and development."

Hong Ik-pyo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also expressed on SNS, "This is sad news of losing a precious elder who illuminated the path of our society," and "I offer my deepest condolences and sympathy to Buddhists who find it hard to bear the sorrow of Monk Jaseung's passing."

Hong added, "Monk Jaseung emphasized that all Buddhist teachings and koans speak of a world without discrimination, and he devoted himself until the end to creating such a world. The Buddhist community and our society must carry on his precious teachings to build a world where everyone is respected and lives together in harmony."

Tae Young-ho, a member of the People Power Party, said, "I was overwhelmed with grief as if the sky had fallen upon hearing such unexpected news," adding, "Whenever I faced difficult decisions or worries during my legislative activities, he was a great elder who always welcomed me with a cup of tea and shared his wisdom. Although the monk has passed away, his teachings through words and actions will live on in our memories forever."

Meanwhile, according to the Jogye Order, Monk Jaseung’s remains were found by firefighters who were extinguishing a fire that broke out the previous day at the monks’ quarters of Chiljangsa Temple in Juksan-myeon, Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province. He was 69 years old and had been ordained for 44 years.

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