On the 1st Anniversary of Nirvana, Publication of 'Silent Response of Monk Jaseung'

Selected Notable Writings from the Chief Administrator Era
Introducing Various Aspects of the Monk Unknown to the Public
Compiled by Poet Shin Dong-ho, 'Moon Jae-in's Speech Secretary'

"There is no life and death, yet there is no place without life and death."

A phrase from a Dharma talk left to sentient beings. On November 29 last year, Monk Jaseung, who served as the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, returned to the Buddha’s side with this phrase. He was 51 years in the Dharma, aged 70.

“Monk Jaseung’s Silent Response” is an essay containing the monk’s sayings. From 2009 to 2017, during his eight years as the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, poet Shin Dong-ho, who served as the Blue House Speech Secretary during President Moon Jae-in’s administration, gathered stories shared at events and lectures in one place. He carefully selected memorable and meaningful content and wrote connected aphorisms. The author’s note, “Monk Jaseung speaks, Shin Dong-ho records,” reflects this meaning.

The power of this book lies in Monk Jaseung’s sincere and powerful words, which never lose focus and continuously contemplate “What is the life of a Buddhist?” in many aspects. Perhaps because of this, the book is filled with the warm side of the monk unknown to the general public and writings on interfaith integration. It introduces various stories including deep insights into life, warm perspectives toward society, calls for reform in religion and society, and exemplary monks who can serve as role models.

Silent response of Monk Jaseung
Photo by Jaeumgwa Moeum

The book is composed of five chapters. Chapter 1, “Enlightenment of Our Time,” deals with the virtues a Buddhist should possess, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and awakening in life. Chapter 2, “The Path of Practice in Our Time,” discusses the positive aspects of Buddhist art that has continued for thousands of years.

Next, Chapter 3, “The Path of Hardship in Our Time,” presents sayings related to social issues such as class and generational conflicts, the Ssangyong Motor labor dispute, and the Sewol ferry incident. Chapter 4, “The Path of Liberation in Our Time,” introduces Buddhist community activities toward society and contains words of comfort for those who have worked hard. The final Chapter 5, “Teachers of Our Time,” reflects on the lives of influential figures in Korean Buddhism such as Monk Beopjeong, Monk Seongcheol, and Monk Manhae, offering guidance for the direction of our lives.

Poet Shin Dong-ho recalls that Monk Jaseung left with only regrets about his practice. He comforted everyone for reforms suited to the times and silently bore all misunderstandings and suspicions, keeping them only in his heart, enduring with a “silent response.”

Monk Jaseung’s Dharma name is Jaseung, and his Dharma title is Haebong. Born in 1954 in Chuncheon, he moved to Hwacheon due to the construction of the Chuncheon Dam. His birthplace was submerged, embedding the pain of loss and hope for restoration in his childhood heart. He founded Daedeoksa Temple in Yongin and devoted himself to public propagation at Yeongwol Hermitage and Suwon Mission Center, contemplating the future of Korean Buddhism. He served as the 33rd and 34th Chief Executive of the Jogye Order in 2009 and 2013, standing against storms for Buddhism that moves with the times and for the revival of Buddhism. After retirement, he practiced at Mumun Hall in Baekdamsa Temple, and his 2023 pilgrimage to India, “Respect for Life, Walking the Buddha’s Path,” was his final step praying for the comfort and peace of all living beings.

Poet Shin Dong-ho was born in 1965 in Hwacheon and grew up in Chuncheon. In 1984, while attending Gangwon High School, he debuted as a poet through the Gangwon Ilbo New Year Literary Contest. He served as the Blue House Speech Secretary alongside President Moon Jae-in and wrote and compiled this book through his close connection to Monk Jaseung’s stories.

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