By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

In honor of the 2569th anniversary of the Buddha's birthday in the Buddhist calendar, a blessing ceremony was held at major temples across the country, including Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, on May 5, 2025.

At Jogyesa Temple, more than 10,000 Buddhist leaders, including Most Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, as well as government officials, Buddhists, and others gathered to praise the birth of Buddha and reflect on his teachings of compassion.

At the Jogyesa Temple, traditional rituals such as establishment of sacred area and six Dharma offerings, bathing the baby Buddha, consecration by laying hands on the heads of children, and statement of vows were carried out, pledging solidarity with the socially disadvantaged and the practice of peace and compassion.

The ceremony was followed by sounding of Dharma drum and bell, recitation of the Heart Sutra in Korean, celebratory remarks and offering of lanterns and offering of flowers.

“The birth of the Buddha was not just the emergence of a single life, but an event that declared the dignity of all beings and the possibility of self-awareness,” said Most Ven. Jinwoo, emphasizing that “controlling one's own mind is the first step to illuminating the world.”

He also said, “Let us empty our minds and create a clear community with compassion and virtuous care.”

On the occasion of Children's Day, Most Ven. Jinwoo said, “I pray that the world in which today's children will live will be filled with compassion and peace, not division and unrest,” and called for “clear politics and warm administration” in the political sphere.

Great Buddhist monk Ja Kwang, who read the Dharma Talk, said, “Just as lotus flowers bloom with each step, so the infinite Dharma doors open when we see the world through the eyes of the Buddha,” and called on people to put aside conflicts and recognize their innate Buddhahood.

The ceremony was attended not only by political figures such as Acting President Lee Ju-ho, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, but also by representatives of citizens from all walks of life, the socially disadvantaged, interfaith figures, and diplomatic missions.

Presidential candidates Kim Moon-soo, Lee Jae-myung, Han Deok-soo, Kwon Young-guk, and Kim Jae-yeon also attended the ceremony and laid wreaths.

This year, the Buddha Prize was awarded to actor and singer Lee Seung-ki, Vice President of Good Policy Institute Jung Byung-guk, archer Lim Si-hyun, and Secretary General Kim Yoon-bong, honoring their contributions to the development of Buddhism and society.

After a blessing from the abbot of Jogyesa Temple, Won Myung, and the Four Immeasurable Vows, the ceremony concluded smoothly, and colorful events were held at temples across the country to reflect on the meaning of the Buddha's birth and pray for a Buddhist homeland.

The ceremony left a deep resonance, expressing the sincere hope that the Buddha's teachings will not remain just a doctrine, but will lead to national harmony and healing by being with the socially disadvantaged.