Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, began his second term by pledging to "open a new century for Korean Buddhism, moving from stability to a leap forward."
Jinwoo made the remarks on the 1st at an inauguration service for the 38th executive head of the order, held at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul's Jongno District. "Taking up the duties of executive head once again, I feel the weight of responsibility before any joy," he said. Jinwoo won the election for executive head last month, becoming the first to serve consecutive terms in 13 years. The term runs four years.
In his inaugural address, Jinwoo said, "In an age when peace of mind creates peace in the world, the Jogye Order will lead the way," adding that "the 38th administration will spread Seon meditation as a movement for the nation's minds." He also stressed, "Korean Buddhism must no longer be a Buddhism that stays within monastery gates, but a Buddhism that enters the pain of the world, a Buddhism that brings peace to the minds of the people, a Buddhism that first takes the hand of neighbors in difficulty, and a Buddhism that points humanity toward a new spiritual civilization." He pledged, "I will listen from the lowest seat. But I will not step back from what must be done," vowing to "spread the Buddha's enlightenment into the world so that there may be peace in people's minds, harmony in society, and compassion and peace throughout the world."
In a congratulatory message read on his behalf by Jeon Sung-hwan, senior presidential secretary for public engagement and integration, President Lee Jae-myung said, "Our society faces many difficult challenges, including a rapidly shifting global order and social polarization," and that "this is a time when Buddhism's teachings of communication, harmony and mutual prosperity are needed." He added, "I hope that under Jinwoo's outstanding wisdom and leadership, the Jogye Order will flourish further, and that Korean Buddhism will shine the light of peace and compassion beyond this land to the whole world."
About 5,000 people attended the inauguration service, including the chairs of the order's Council of Elders and Central Council, abbots of district head temples, representatives of other Buddhist orders and religious groups, and government and political figures. Jinwoo delivered $100,000 (about 140 million won) to the Nepalese Embassy in Seoul to support recovery from severe flooding in Nepal, and 100 million won to the Jogye Order's Social and Labor Committee, which works in solidarity with neighbors in need.
