[472 Cover] One Dharma Lamp Shines Two Flowers

   Korean Buddhism has developed through diverse traditions, among which the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order stand out as its two principal streams. Rooted in different historical contexts, they have cultivated distinctive practices and played vital roles in shaping modern Korean society. Against this backdrop, this article explores their historical development, spiritual practices, and contemporary contributions. Korean Buddhism has evolved through centuries of change, flourishing into a varied and diverse tradition. Introduced during the Three Kingdoms period, it blossomed in the Silla dynasty with a vibrant Buddhist culture. During the Goryeo dynasty, it encompassed both the Korean Buddhist Hwaeom Order and Seon Buddhism, illuminating the path of wisdom. Even under the repression of the Joseon dynasty, the spirit of practice persisted. By adapting to changing times, Korean Buddhism has continually renewed itself, resulting in a diverse landscape of contemporary sects. While the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism shapes the broader framework of Korean Buddhism, the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order has built its own distinctive system of practice and maintains a notable presence.

Where practice meets culture at the heart of Korean Buddhism

   The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the largest Buddhist sect in Korea, serves as the foundation of Korean Buddhism, encompassing numerous temples and monks nationwide. Following the reforms of National Preceptor Taego Bou in the late Goryeo dynasty, the order consolidated its modern organizational structure through the Joseon dynasty and the Japanese colonial period, firmly establishing its current form in the 1950s. Rooted in Seon Buddhism, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism places the highest value on “directly pointing to one’s mind to realize one’s true nature,” encouraging practitioners to perceive their own minds and realize their true nature. Its hallmark features include Kōan Zen practice, Zen meditation-focused education, and the operation of disciplined monastic communities.

   Today, historic temples such as Haeinsa Temple, Songkwangsa Temple, and Tongdosa Temple belong to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, exerting significant cultural and spiritual influence across Korean society. The order communicates with the public through various media, including Buddhist newspapers and broadcasting networks. It engages in wide-ranging social initiatives, from welfare organizations and scholarship foundations to cultural heritage preservation. Haeinsa Temple, for example, promotes the value of the Goryeo Daejanggyeong (Goryeo dynasty Tripitaka) to the world through preservation and research efforts. At the same time, Tongdosa Temple contributes to local economies and cultural continuity by hosting Buddhist cultural festivals. Songkwangsa Temple supports youth character education programs and operates free meal services, enhancing community welfare.

   Dongguk University, as the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’s affiliated university, plays a central role in cultivating talent grounded in Buddhist values and advancing Buddhist scholarship. Through its research centers, including the Institute for Buddhist Studies, the university deeply explores the traditions, history, and practices of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, envisioning the future of Korean Buddhism. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the university also operates the Korean Buddhist Culture Portal, offering the public a range of cultural content related to Korean Buddhism. The College of Buddhist Studies collaborates with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism to provide structured training in monastic administration, while the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’s Headquarters offers scholarships for students and residential facilities for monks. To deepen students’ understanding of Buddhism, courses such as “Buddhism and human being” and “Self & Meditation” combine doctrinal study with meditation experiences. Through education, research, and community engagement, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism actively contributes to the sustainable development of Korean Buddhism.

   Fundamentally, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism continues to evolve as both guardian of ancient traditions and innovator in modern contexts. With its vast network of temples, its academic and cultural institutions like Dongguk University, and its commitment to both spiritual depth and social responsibility, the order seeks to ensure that Korean Buddhism not only survives but flourishes as a dynamic force for wisdom and compassion in the 21st century and beyond.

Where dharma meets social service in modern Buddhism

   The Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order, founded in 1945 at Guinsa Temple, located in Sobaek Mountain by Sangwoel Woengak Daejosa, has established a distinctive presence through strong organization and active social engagement, despite its shorter history. Rooted in the teachings of the Chinese Tiantai master, the precepts center on the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing the potential for all sentient beings to attain Buddhahood. The Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order maintains a balanced practice of doctrinal study, meditation, and adherence to monastic discipline, offering systematic lay education and a wide range of welfare programs.

   The Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order also embraces a modern and accessible approach to outreach, directly operating volunteer organizations, medical facilities, and educational institutions, reflecting its commitment to the welfare of living beings. Its structured rituals, unified services, and consistent monastic attire exemplify disciplined organizational management. Guinsa Temple serves as a comprehensive cultural complex, drawing visitors from across the country.

   The Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order also operates a Cheontae Order welfare foundation, managing senior care facilities, community centers, and scholarship programs nationwide. For instance, Jinhae Geumgang Senior Care Center in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, provides integrated medical, nursing, rehabilitation, and emotional support, sustained by volunteer efforts from monks and devotees. Major temples, including Guinsa Temple, run free meal services, scholarship programs, and community medical initiatives, while educational programs spread Buddhist teachings and humanistic values to youth and adults. The Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order’s educational institutions focus on Buddhist cultural research and monastic administration training, expanding engagement with local communities through cultural centers, ceremonies, and lectures. Consequently, the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order integrates traditional practice with social engagement, bringing Buddhist values into welfare, education, culture, and healthcare.

   Essentially, despite its relatively short institutional history, the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order has demonstrated remarkable organizational strength and adaptability. Through its disciplined rituals, comprehensive welfare networks, and modern educational system, it continues to evolve as a dynamic order that integrates tradition with modernity. As it deepens its social contributions and strengthens global connections, the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order envisions a future in which Buddhism actively responds to the needs of society while remaining faithful to its spiritual roots in the Lotus Sutra.

Harmonious coexistence and collaboration

   While the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order differ in practice and organizational style, both pursue the Mahayana Buddhist ideals of “enlightenment” and “relief of suffering.” Despite following distinct paths, the two orders cooperate across sectarian lines in areas such as environmental protection, disaster relief, and social services, demonstrating the healthy diversity and harmony of Korean Buddhism. This diversity also shapes contemporary Buddhist culture, making it more accessible and engaging to the public.

   Modern Korean Buddhism extends beyond religious practice into culture and lifestyle, exemplified by large-scale Buddhist Expos. These events showcase traditional art, temple cuisine, meditation experiences, and other programs, lowering barriers to engagement and attracting younger audiences. Youth participants enjoy Buddhist art exhibitions, tea tastings, and contemporary Buddhist products, building closer connections with the faith. Initiatives such as the Seoul International Meditation Expo, templestays, and youth camps link traditional practice with modern mindfulness culture, promoting the popularization of “K-meditation.”

   “I Go to the Temple,” hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, invites young people to explore meditation and cultural exchange at temples. The program emphasizes inner reflection and heartfelt connections through activities like meditation, mindful walks, and tea conversations. Participants also enjoy stunning natural scenery and local attractions, making it a unique opportunity to build connections that spark curiosity and closeness in a serene, spiritual setting. Similarly, “Young Camp,” organized by Dongguk University, offers ordination ceremonies, meditation sessions, and Buddhist prayer beads-making activities, presenting Buddhism in a dynamic and contemporary light. During the ritual, students take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, offer repentance chants, and formally receive the Five Precepts. Beyond the ceremony, cultural programs and performances allow participants to experience Buddhist traditions and reflect on their lives, fostering a sense of community and shared joy among young attendees.

   Through programs like these, young generations are able to approach Buddhism not just as a tradition, but as a living, engaging experience that blends reflection, cultural exploration, and communal connection. Beyond national borders, these cultural initiatives increasingly serve as bridges introducing Korean Buddhism to the global stage. International students, travelers, and scholars are drawn to temple programs and cultural festivals, experiencing firsthand the unique integration of spiritual practice and contemporary creativity that characterizes Korean Buddhism. As templestays and meditation programs are translated into multiple languages and shared through digital platforms, “K-meditation” is gaining international recognition, much like the global popularity of K-pop and K-culture. These efforts show Korean Buddhism’s relevance in today’s interconnected world. Ultimately, the coexistence of diverse orders like the Jogye Order of Korean Buddihism and the Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order combined with innovative cultural outreach and youth-oriented programs.

   In this way, Korean Buddhism continues to evolve, bridging tradition and modernity, practice and culture, religion and lifestyle. Efforts to preserve the cultural value of Buddhist traditions while adapting them to contemporary sensibilities help make Korean Buddhism more approachable and influential. When traditional monastic practice meets modern cultural initiatives, new forms of spiritual and cultural spaces emerge. The diversity within Korean Buddhism is not a weakness but a strength, and like a forest formed by many paths converging, it stands as a testament to a living, adaptable religion that thrives through changing times. Looking ahead, the ability of Korean Buddhism to integrate timeless wisdom with modern sensibilities will be key to its continued vitality. By embracing dialogue across cultures, addressing social and environmental challenges, and creating spaces of reflection and compassion, Korean Buddhism not only sustains its heritage but also expands its relevance for future generations at home and abroad.