Won Buddhism Celebrates 111th Anniversary, Pledges to Lead in Life Saving and Mind Healing

As Won Buddhism marks its 111th anniversary, the denomination reaffirms its commitment to its founding principles of spiritual reform for the sake of all life. In an era increasingly dominated by material advancements and the complexities of artificial intelligence, Won Buddhism stands firm in its dedication to addressing the profound human need for mental well-being and ecological balance.

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We will lead in saving life and healing the mind through spiritual reform.

Our leader, Na Sang-ho, articulated a clear vision during a press conference, emphasizing our role in tackling critical societal issues. The 'Save Life' suicide prevention program, soon to be certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, will be expanded nationwide. This initiative, already reaching out to the elderly, North Korean defectors, and military personnel, will collaborate closely with the government's 'Life Saver Promotion Headquarters.' This reflects a deep-seated concern for the spiritual and mental health of our people, a concern that resonates strongly within our communities.

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We have continuously strived to solve the problem of high suicide rates in Korea.

Furthermore, Won Buddhism is intensifying its 'Save Natural Ecology and Environment' campaign. This includes expanding our solar power generation facilities, already present in over 100 temples and institutions nationwide, making us pioneers in the religious sector's commitment to carbon neutrality. We believe that caring for the Earth is an integral part of spiritual practice. Our efforts in promoting mind-healing through specialized meditation programs for various age groups, from burnout recovery for office workers to attention enhancement for youth and isolation prevention for the elderly, demonstrate our holistic approach to well-being.

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We will accelerate the saving of natural ecology and environment to respond to the climate crisis.

From the perspective of Won Buddhism, these initiatives are not merely social programs but the embodiment of our core spiritual mission. While Western media might focus on the technological advancements of the AI era, we, as a spiritual institution rooted in Korean soil, see the urgent need to balance this with inner cultivation and a profound respect for life and nature. Our 'Great Enlightenment opening day' is not just a celebration but a renewed pledge to be a beacon of hope and healing in a world grappling with unprecedented challenges. We aim to ensure that the joy of enlightenment becomes a 'light of the mind' that heals the world's suffering, fulfilling our religious duty to foster the spiritual strength needed to wisely utilize material civilization.

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We plan to expand customized meditation programs for each generation, such as recovery from burnout for office workers, improved concentration for youth, and prevention of isolation for the elderly.