Ven. Myungjin Concludes a Life Dedicated to Social Contribution and Buddhist Reform

In 2006, Ven. Myungjin decided to liquidate his only personal assets and return them to society. Through this decision, he established Dalma School, a local children's center, and founded Bowon, a social welfare corporation, extending a helping hand to marginalized neighbors. This is evaluated as Ven. Myungjin personally practicing the thought of 'all beings as one body' (Dongchedaebi) that he always emphasized.

During the monks' solidarity for order reform in 1994, Ven. Myungjin displayed a symbolic act of removing his kasaya (monk's robe) and offering it before the Buddha. This 'lion's roar' deeply resonated with the followers at the time, solidifying their will for reform. This aspect of the venerable monk is recorded as a historical moment that clearly demonstrates his strong will for change and reform in Buddhism.

Ven. Myungjin always emphasized the thought of Dongchedaebi, which posits that all beings are like one body. He taught that practicing Dongchedaebi means deeply empathizing with the suffering of others as one's own, and that this is the path of true spiritual practice. This illustrates his philosophy of embodying the compassionate spirit of Buddhism in modern society.

According to Professor Kim Yong-ok (Do-ol), Ven. Myungjin urged an acquaintance to manage their health until just before his passing. The venerable monk emphasized the importance of daily exercise, saying, "Massage yourself. And don't just sit at your desk; walk regularly." He also mentioned the loneliness of the solitary practice path and the need for self-care, stating, "If your teeth break down, you can't eat, and if your legs break down, you can't walk. A monk living alone falls behind if this happens." This shows that he worried about those around him until his last moments and maintained deep introspection on the path of a practitioner.

When victims of the Yongsan Tragedy occurred, Ven. Myungjin used all the donations collected in the temple's offering box during his 1000-day prayer to help the victims. According to Father Ham Se-ung, many were moved and enlightened watching him donate approximately 200 million won to the Yongsan Tragedy victims at that time. This is remembered as an expression of his compassion, deeply empathizing with social pain and wishing to provide practical help.

Ven. Bulsan recalled Ven. Myungjin's fierce will for Buddhist reform during his time as the head monk of Bongwonsa Temple. The venerable monk confronted corruption and power within the order, dedicating himself to the purification of Buddhism. At the same time, he warmly embraced the socially vulnerable with fervent compassion, clearly demonstrating his aspect not only as a practitioner but also as a social activist. These actions clearly reveal his efforts to embody the essential values of Buddhism in society.

Jung Bu-ja spoke of Ven. Myungjin's special connection with the Sewol Ferry victims' families, remembering his devoted support. Meeting him for the first time at the Cheongun-dong Administrative Welfare Center in 2014, the venerable monk spared no practical help, personally buying and bringing vacuum cleaners and sewing machines to the families. He deeply empathized with their suffering and persistently encouraged activities for truth-finding in the Sewol disaster and a safe society. This is an example showing how he was a true source of comfort and strength to those in pain.

Ven. Ido recalled the 10.27 Dharma Persecution condemnation rally held in front of the Bongwonsa Temple main hall 40 years ago in 1986, emphasizing Ven. Myungjin's courage. At that time, police fired tear gas into the temple grounds and 'Baekgol-dan' (riot police) threw stun grenades to enter, but the venerable monk resisted, advocating for Buddhist autonomy against the military dictatorship. As a result of this incident, he was arrested and imprisoned, and for the next 40 years, he walked the path of the people and peace, continuing a life of confronting injustice. This is a historical footprint showing how he did not turn away from the pains of the era but acted upon them.

It was publicly announced by the emcee that Ven. Myungjin amicably resolved legal disputes with the order and reinstated his monastic status before his passing. Previously, the Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, had communicated with Ven. Myungjin and worked towards reinstating his monastic status, and Ven. Myungjin also accepted the President's wishes, letting go of past pains and extending a hand of reconciliation. This embodies a profound meaning: that he sought to conclude his worldly ties and demonstrate a spirit of harmony and forgiveness until his last moments.