[Special] Lighting Lanterns, Lighting Hearts: 2024 Dongguk Lantern Festival

   On April 17, 2024 (B.E. 2568), to commemorate Buddha's birthday, Dongguk University hosted its annual lantern lighting ceremony. The sequence of events unfolded as follows: Opening Performance -  Recitations of The Three Refuges and The Heart Sutra - Congratulatory Speech (School President) - Buddhist Sermon (School Chairman) - Prayer (Abbot Monk of Jeonggakwon) - Lantern Lighting Ceremony - Circumambulation -The Boddhisattva Vow. Join the Dongguk Post as we take you through this enlightening event.

Opening performance

   The festivities kicked off with an electrifying performance by the Baeksang Cheerleaders, Dongguk University's renowned cheerleading squad. Their energetic routine set the tone for the evening, filling the air with excitement. Following their act, the stage was lit by the rhythmic beats and impressive b-boying skills of the Sangwol B-Boying Imate Crew, and more performances by other groups, further igniting the atmosphere and captivating the audience with their talent.

Recitations of The Three Refuges and The Heart Sutra

   Following the captivating performances, the solemnity of the occasion was deepened as The Three Refuges and The Heart Sutra were recited, casting a serene atmosphere over the gathering. Below, a segment of the Heart Sutra is translated and shared. Readers are encouraged to read them to gain a better understanding of the procedures that always take place at official Dongguk University events.

form does not differ from emptiness, (색불이공)

emptiness does not differ from form. (공불이색)

That which is form is emptiness, (색즉시공)

that which is emptiness form. (공즉시색)

The same is true of feelings, perceptions, impulses, consciousness. (수상행식 역부여시)

Shariputra, (사리자)

all dharmas are marked with emptiness, (시제법공상)

they do not appear or disappear, (불생불멸)

are not tainted or pure, (불구부정)

do not increase or decrease. (부증불감)

Congratulatory Speech & Buddhist Sermon & Prayer

   President Yun Jae-woong expressed that the act of lighting lanterns symbolizes more than just dispelling personal hardships; it also represents illuminating the darkness within our communities. He emphasized that the wishes penned beneath the glowing lanterns have the power to manifest and underscored his aspiration for collective efforts toward a brighter future for our nation, fostering unity and progress.

   During his address, the chairman emphasized the importance of nurturing wisdom and compassion through the practice of Buddha's teachings. He underscored the value of respecting and cherishing life, urging everyone to aspire towards attaining Buddhist enlightenment, especially on the momentous occasion of Buddha's birthday. Furthermore, he encouraged the integration of these teachings into our daily lives, envisioning a society where such principles radiate brightly, fostering harmony and well-being for all.

Lantern Lighting Ceremony

   Marking B.E. 2568, the lanterns hung at Dongguk University were simultaneously illuminated to honor Buddha's birthday. Witnessing this breathtaking display, both the students of Dongguk University and the guests who partook in the lantern lighting ceremony were amazed by the enchanting scene unfolding before them.

Circumambulation & The Boddhisattva Vow

   Lead by the president and chairman of Dongguk University, and students who were watching the event participated in the circumambulation. The ceremony concluded with the solemn recitation of the Boddhisattva Vow, bringing the festival to a meaningful and successful close.

We also heard from some international students who have took part as audience of the festival.

Interview

- This is my first time at this festival, it was really entertaining, the beginning parts, where the cheerleaders and everybody was dancing. I also really enjoyed the beatboxing part, I wish I got to go against him, beatbox battle maybe next time? (laugh) It was overall really interesting seeing the lights come on and everything. Hearing the prayers and etc. I have never experienced any of this in America, so it was interesting to see all this in Korea.(Marcus Hernandez IV, Exchange Student)

- I was at this event last year as well, so I already saw this event once, but it is always really nice, since the performances and people change. The combination of modern culture, such as the dancing and cheerleading with traditional Buddhist events was nice, as we don’t have something like this in Europe. It was really nice to discover the Buddhist ways of celebrating Buddha’s birthday. (Mederic Boutin, International Student)

Additional photos from the festival

Written by

Kim Bo-young

Lee Jae-won