Won Buddhism

Won Buddhism (Korean: 원불교) is a modern Buddhist ([/w/1]) religion that began in Korea. Its name comes from Korean words 원/圓 won ("circle") and 불교/佛敎 bulgyo ("Buddhism"), which together mean "Circle Buddhism" or "Consummate Buddhism." Some people see it as a mixture of different beliefs ([/w/2]) or as a new way of practicing Buddhism ([/w/3]).

The main idea of Won Buddhism is to help people discover their own Buddha nature and to help all living beings by serving others. Instead of trying to stop their feelings, followers are taught to act in ways that match their true desires. The founder of Won Buddhism was Sotaesan (Bak Jungbin, 1891–1943). He thought that focusing too much on material things while ignoring the spiritual world caused suffering. His motto was, "With this Great Opening of matter, let there be a Great Opening of spirit."

Founder and early history

Buddhism came to Korea in the fourth century. Later, during a time called the Joseon dynasty, Confucianism became more popular, and Buddhism was not as strong. New ideas in Buddhism began to appear in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Won Buddhism started in Korea and was created by a man named Sotaesan. He had a simple life and began thinking deeply about life when he was very young. After many years of hard thinking, he felt a great understanding of the world in 1916. This event is celebrated each year by Won Buddhists.

Sotaesan looked at many religions but felt drawn to Buddhism after reading an important Buddhist book. He gathered a small group of followers and taught them to live simply and work hard. He believed in treating everyone equally, whether they were men or women, and wanted to update Buddhist teachings for modern times. His group grew slowly at first but has since expanded around the world. Today, there are many Won Buddhist temples in Korea and other countries.

Doctrine

Won Buddhism has special books that explain its teachings. These books were written by the founders of the religion and include important messages and ideas. One key symbol in Won Buddhist temples is a large circle called Il Won Sang. This circle stands for the pure mind of the Buddha and represents the true nature of all life.

The teachings of Won Buddhism are organized into four main principles: being thankful for kindness, finding true understanding, helping others without expecting anything back, and using the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life. Followers also show gratitude for four important gifts: the world around us, our families, other people, and the rules that guide society. They believe in developing their own strengths, learning from wise teachers, teaching children of all backgrounds, and serving the community.

Practicing Won Buddhism also includes studying the spirit, learning about the world and its meanings, and making good choices in actions and words.

New religion

Won Buddhism is seen by some as a new religion and by others as a modern form of traditional Buddhism. Even those who practice Won Buddhism describe it in both ways.

Like many forms of Buddhism, Won Buddhism teaches about karma, rebirth, and the importance of finding inner peace to solve life's problems. It also encourages meditation and aims to help all living beings find happiness.

What makes Won Buddhism unique is its focus on helping others through good deeds. It does not require its leader to have special Buddhist training. The religion also includes ideas from other Korean traditions and teaches that spiritual growth should match progress in the everyday world. Instead of Buddha images, it uses the Il Won Sang symbol. Won Buddhism also believes that all religions share similar core messages.

Current practice

In Won Buddhism, spiritual leaders, called gyomunim, can be both women and men. Unlike in some other Buddhist groups, gyomunim do not shave their heads. The main leader, called the Prime Dharma Master, is chosen by a group of senior and lay leaders who are also elected.

Won Buddhism strongly believes in treating everyone equally, no matter if they are male or female. Women and men can both become leaders and have equal roles in making important decisions.

In the past, there were some unfair rules about how women and men dressed, but these have changed. Now, women can choose to wear both traditional and modern clothes, helping to make things more fair.

In 2019, an important decision was made to allow all leaders to marry, no matter their gender. This shows Won Buddhism’s commitment to fairness and equality, as taught by its founder.

Won Buddhism also runs schools and helps people in need, believing that education is very important. They also talk with people of other religions to learn from each other.

Temples hold services each week, usually on Sundays. These services may include quiet thinking, singing, and talks about important ideas.