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8 EASTERN HORIZON | LEAD ARTICLE

Ven Daehaeng (1927-2012) Temple stay programs across Korea

has established Buddhist centers The Cheontae Order, founded by There are about 32 Buddhist
in cities to bring Buddhism closer Venerable Sangwol Wongak, is temples that offer Templestay
to the people and their daily lives. still growing under its three basic programs in Korea. Does this
In addition, more modern temples principles: patriotism, close-to-life, program have an impact on the
are being established in cities to and public-friendliness. In keeping local population in creating a
spread the Buddha’s teachings with these principles, the Cheontae better image of Buddhism in
more widely. Order has established all its temples Korea, or does it only benefit
in cities. Their Dharma halls are foreign tourists looking for cheap
One excellent example is the open 24/7 to serve students and accommodations?
Hanmaum Seon Center, established workers alike. In the Cheontae
in 1972 by the Buddhist nun, Order, lay Buddhists also attend Recognized by the OECD as offering
Venerable Daehaeng (1927-2012). intensive meditation retreats twice “excellent cultural content of
The Hanmaum Seon Center’s a year, in summer and winter, and creativity and competitiveness,” the
headquarters is in Anyang, and cultivate themselves based on the Templestay Program was launched
operates 15 branches nationwide. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva mantra. during the 2002 Korea-Japan World
They have also established 10 Cup to showcase the excellence
overseas branches in the USA, The Jingak Order has established of Korean traditional culture. The
Germany, Argentina, Canada and Dharma Halls in cities to transmit Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism
Thailand to propagate Korean Buddhism to the masses, in keeping operates Templestay programs
Buddhism. with the teachings of its founder, at 137 Jogye Order temples
Venerable Hoedang (1902-1963). nationwide. Participants can
The Jungto Society, guided by The devotees in the Jingak Order experience the daily life of monastic
Venerable Pomnyun (b. 1953), include many teams of husband and practitioners at mountain temples
has established Dharma Halls in wife priests. where the 1,700-year history
various locations across Korea, and culture of Korean Buddhism
and have also operated Buddhist is vividly alive. It is now a firmly
colleges and training centers for established major cultural program
the past 30 years. It is very active that both foreigners and Koreans
in propagating Buddhism overseas, can experience. Furthermore,
with branches in USA, Canada, Templestay programs tailored
Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, to foreigners are successfully
and Singapore. operated at selected temples
Ven Pomnyun (b. 1953)