Approximately 7,000 people participated in a massive outdoor meditation festival held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday, seeking tranquility and joy through traditional Buddhist practices despite the bustling urban environment. The "Happy Barami Seon Meditation Festa" was organized to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Lay Buddhist Association of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, bringing together families, friends, and individuals of all ages for a day of spiritual reflection.
Participants engaged in various traditional Buddhist activities throughout the afternoon, including group meditation sessions on yoga mats, sutra copying (the meditative practice of hand-transcribing sacred texts), and crafting lotus cup lanterns and mandala keyrings. These symbolic items represent purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment in Buddhist tradition. Even light drizzle couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of attendees who gathered to find peace amid the distractions of city life.
Among the younger participants was 11-year-old Choi Min-jae from Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, who joined the meditation session to manage school stress and academic pressure. "I usually meditate at home by watching YouTube videos and today's session was really helpful, and I hope to see more of these programs in Seoul," he told The Korea Herald, highlighting how meditation practices are reaching younger generations.
The festival drew prominent figures from both religious and political circles, including Jung Won-ju, president of the Lay Buddhist Association of the Jogye Order and chairman of Daewoo EC and Herald Media Group; the Venerable Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order; Representative Lee Hun-seung of the People Power Party, who heads the National Assembly's Buddhist Association; Representative Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party; Representative Kwak Sang-eon of the Democratic Party of Korea; and former South Korean Olympic chief Lee Kee-heung, now executive director of the Buddhist Leaders Forum.
In his opening speech, Jung Won-ju emphasized the broader social impact of meditation practice, stating, "This meaningful gathering is held to promote spiritual well-being in today's society through the practice of Seon meditation, to uphold the spirit of those seeking happiness and to bring the Buddha's teaching into everyday life." He stressed that the benefits of meditation extend far beyond individual peace, explaining, "The quiet breaths and mindful hearts we cultivate here are never limited to personal peace. They extend to our families, our neighbors and beyond – even to society and the world – planting seeds that heal conflicts and foster lasting peace."
Jung also addressed contemporary challenges, noting, "In today's era of secularization and artificial intelligence, we must guide the spiritual growth of our people and, drawing on the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism, foster a society of harmony and coexistence that rises above conflict and division." His remarks reflected growing concerns about maintaining spiritual wellness in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.
Representative Lee Hun-seung reinforced the importance of Seon meditation as a practice that "clears the mind and helps one find inner peace." He elaborated on its broader benefits, stating, "The calm and insight cultivated through Seon meditation go beyond a fleeting sense of peace, helping us understand and show compassion toward others and society. I hope that today's experience will inspire and empower us to put the Buddha's teachings into practice in our everyday lives."
The Venerable Jinwoo, leader of South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, delivered profound insights about the nature of suffering and the purpose of meditation. "Every human being experiences suffering, and the only difference is the degree of that suffering," he told the gathered participants. "A being who experiences suffering is ordinary, while one who has transcended it is a Buddha. The Buddha confronted suffering and revealed a path to completely overcome it, showing that all beings can be freed from suffering."
However, Jinwoo acknowledged the challenges inherent in this spiritual journey, warning that "chasing too much happiness can bring unhappiness, while seeking too much pleasure can lead to even greater sorrow." He emphasized the Buddhist principle of non-attachment, explaining, "Everything we see, hear, smell, taste, feel or think arises from conditions and causes, so we should not become too attached to any of it." For Jinwoo, practicing meditation is fundamentally "to not be in pain."
The Buddhist leader concluded with practical guidance for attendees, emphasizing that "the first step is to calm the mind. And to achieve that, we need to practice Seon meditation continuously, moment by moment." This message resonated with participants who experienced firsthand how traditional meditation practices could provide refuge from modern life's pressures and distractions, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Buddhist wisdom in contemporary society.
