Modern Korean Buddhism: Revitalizing Ordination with Diverse Monk Activities

Modern Korean Buddhism: A New Path of Ordination! Spotlight on the Diverse Activities of Monks

A new drive towards ordination is being emphasized in modern Korean Buddhism, as highlighted by Ven. Beomhae, the head of the Jogye Order’s Education Center.

Ven. Beomhae’s Explanation

Ven. Beomhae recently published two books on ordination in the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, titled “Wise Ordained Life” and “Buddhism is Good, but Ordination is Scary for You.” He explained that ordination is a path to seek enlightenment and escape the cycle of birth and death.

“Compared to other forms of life on Earth, human existence provides a precious opportunity to reflect on oneself and actively seek liberation from suffering. By ordaining according to the teachings of the Buddha, one can permanently transcend the cycle of suffering,” Ven. Beomhae stated.

The Published Books

The book “Wise Ordained Life” features the stories of ten ordained monks, including Ven. Junhan, who established the JustBe Hongdae Monastery, Ven. Muye, a YouTuber, specialized temple cuisine monks, social workers, and military monks, among others.

On the other hand, “Buddhism is Good, but Ordination is Scary for You” is a tailored collection of scriptures for those who dream of ordination, ranging from adolescents to retirees. The book also includes case studies of monks who ordained as boys, young adults, regular individuals, and retirees.

Declining Number of Ordained Individuals

The number of individuals ordaining in the Jogye Order has been decreasing in recent years. According to statistics from the Jogye Order’s Education Center, the number of ordained individuals was 528 in 2000, which decreased to 287 in 2010 and further declined to 131 in 2020. This year, there are only 84 individuals who have ordained.

In response to this trend, the newly established Youth Jogye Order Education Center, launched in October last year, is making efforts to increase the number of ordinations.

Ven. Beomhae’s Introduction

Ven. Beomhae introduced the published books as “masterpieces of the educational institution’s efforts to increase the number of ordinations” and stated that they serve as excellent examples for those seeking their own path in life.

Modern Ordination Culture

Ven. Beomhae expressed his appreciation for the modern ordination atmosphere, which has become more liberated and relaxed compared to the past. He said, “We can discard the old notion that ordination means parting with tears and never meeting again. After ordination, one can communicate with modern society and gain new drive towards a future-oriented life they have been pursuing.”

Engagement in Various Fields

Ven. Beomhae anticipates the active participation of specialized monks in various fields. He mentioned that monks can now freely engage with society as monk singers performing on the streets, YouTube influencers, CEOs of NGOs, social workers, counselors, artists, writers, athletes, pianists, and farmers. He emphasized that this reflects the modern and open ordination culture of Korean Buddhism.

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