Won Buddhism

Won Buddhism (Korean: 원불교) is a modern Buddhist ([/w/1]) religion from Korea. Its name comes from Korean words 원/圓 won ("circle") and 불교/佛敎 bulgyo ("Buddhism"), meaning "Circle Buddhism" or "Consummate Buddhism." Some see it as a mix of different beliefs ([/w/2]) or a new way to practice Buddhism ([/w/3]).

The main idea of Won Buddhism is to help people find their own Buddha nature and to help all living beings by serving others. Followers are taught to act in ways that match their true desires, instead of trying to stop their feelings. The founder was Sotaesan (Bak Jungbin, 1891–1943). He believed 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 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 lived 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 share its teachings. These books were written by the founders of the religion and include important ideas. One key symbol in Won Buddhist temples is a large circle called Il Won Sang. This circle stands for a pure mind and the true nature of all life.

The teachings of Won Buddhism have 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 making good choices in actions and words.

New religion

Won Buddhism is a religion that some people see as new, while others see it 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 inner peace. 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 includes ideas from other Korean traditions and teaches that spiritual growth should match progress in daily life. 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. They do not shave their heads like leaders in some other Buddhist groups. The main leader, called the Prime Dharma Master, is chosen by a group of senior and lay leaders who are also elected.

Won Buddhism 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, which helps 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.