Jinwoo Sunim: "We Must Abandon the Extremes of Surviving by Defeating Others"

Buddha's Birthday Address Delivered

Urges 'Hwajaeng' Amid Political, Economic, and Labor Conflicts

Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Abbot of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, emphasized ahead of Buddha's Birthday, "We must abandon the extremes of division and confrontation, where one believes they must bring down others in order to survive." His message is that, at a time when conflicts are intensifying in all areas of society—politics, economics, and labor relations—the wisdom of Hwajaeng (harmonious reconciliation) is needed to find a way to coexist together.

On the 7th, Jin Woo, the Chief Abbot of Jogye Order, gave a greeting at the Jogye Order's "Month of Peaceful Mind" press conference held at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

In the congratulatory address for Buddha's Birthday in Buddhist Era 2570, released on May 19, Jinwoo Sunim stated, "If we put our own interests first, everyone ultimately suffers a loss, but when we seek a path of mutual survival, only then can I also find true peace." This year's address is titled, "Let us open a future of mutual survival with the light of peaceful coexistence and peace of mind."

Jinwoo Sunim described "Cheonsang Cheonha Yua Dokjon"—the verse announcing the birth of the baby Buddha—as "the prelude of awakening that proclaims the dignity of all beings." He further explained, "It is both a teaching that we must create our own happiness and peace, and a compassionate call not to turn away from the suffering of our neighbors."

The address also touched upon the paradox of the AI era. Jinwoo Sunim said, "We are living in a highly advanced age of artificial intelligence, yet paradoxically, the divide of inner isolation and conflict only deepens. Knowledge overflows, but wisdom is in short supply; the world is connected, but warmth is fading."

He spoke more directly about social conflict. Jinwoo Sunim emphasized, "The Buddha taught that resentment cannot be resolved by more resentment; it can only disappear through compassion and understanding. In every sector of our society—including politics, economics, and labor relations—we must abandon the extremes of division and confrontation that insist on defeating the other side in order to survive, and instead demonstrate the wisdom of Hwajaeng, seeking a way to live together."

He also addressed the social role of Korean Buddhism. Jinwoo Sunim declared, "Korean Buddhism will stand with the public in their anxiety and with the socially disadvantaged, taking the lead in opening a path beyond conflict and division toward peaceful coexistence. Through 'Seon Meditation,' we will serve as a strong pillar safeguarding the mental well-being of the people."

Jinwoo Sunim continued with a message about peace on the Korean Peninsula, stating, "Breaking the vicious cycle of confrontation and opening a path of communication to create a future of peace and coexistence must be a fervent vow for us all."

The Buddhist Era 2570 Buddha's Birthday celebratory ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on the 24th at Jogyesa Temple and temples nationwide.

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