The Korea Times
My column is to offer praise and thanksgiving for Buddha's birthday, celebrated on May 25 this year. It’s also to give some reflections on the great world religion and my understanding of Buddhism in Korea. Existing in Korea roughly since the fourth century, Buddhism continues to have a profound influence on Korean politics, society and culture. I remember enjoying a meal at my friend's home to learn that the consumption of rice at the end of the meal reflects Buddhist culture and the valuation of what is simple. I also remember visiting Daewon Temple near Boseong to enjoy a meal with the head monk, who reminded me of the same message. I also remember a monk passing me by just by chance at Bulguk Temple in Gyeongju and asking me how I felt. Buddhism is a faith that aspires to release us from the transitory nature of things and to pursue enlightenment on this basis. I have thought of this as trying to understand the nothingness of the world and its cares, with its Hobbesian morass of interests, appetites and objects. A total of 500 million people think along these lines. Striving to i
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