Peace Mural Unveiling Ceremony at Yeongjijeong Temple of Munsujong of Korean Buddhism in Gyeongju

▲(Left) Ven. Jigwang, Head Monk of Munsujong of Korean Buddhism, Ven. Doseon, Head Monk of Doseon temple, Ven. Beopryun, Head Monk of Geumdang temple

On July 30^th, the HWPL Peace Mural Unveiling Ceremony was held at Yeongjijeong Temple of Munsujong of Korean Buddhism in Bakdal-ri, Naeman-myeon, Gyeongju. 20 people attended the ceremony, including representatives of Buddhism, the Ven. Beopryun, Head Monk of Geumdang temple, and the Ven. Doseon, Head Monk of Doseon temple, as well as members of HWPL Global05 Branch.

Before the unveiling ceremony commenced, the Ven. Jigwang, Head Monk of Munsujong of Korean Buddhism, said, “Working with HWPL for peace gives me a strong belief that religious people should take a very active part in the work for world peace.” He also mentioned the reason he decided to participate in the HWPL Peace Mural, saying “I am here because I don’t doubt that the peace mural plays a role in helping unite the hearts of people to make a peaceful world without war or conflict.”

The mural – that shows a desire for religious world peace – was painted on the four walls of the Yeongjijeong temple. On the wall at the entrance to the temple, the drawing shows a desire for various religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism to become harmonious. The drawing next to the entrance wall depicts children smiling brightly and having fun in a world where peace is accomplished. On another wall, a painting that depicts a full brown lotus – representing Buddhism – shows the desire of HWPL and Yeongjijeong Temple to accomplish peace by overcoming the bleak, mud-like reality.

Lim Changseob, the general director of the foreign policy department of HWPL’s Global05 Branch, said “It is meaningful to hold this peace event that looks ahead 1,000 years in the city of Gyeongju that has a 1,000-year history. I look forward to active peace cooperation between HWPL Global05 Branch and Yeongjijeong Temple of Munsujong because, during the ceremony, HWPL peace family members reaffirmed their determination to accomplish world peace together.”

The HWPL Global05 Branch and the temple signed an MOU for cooperation on the peace project on July 3^rd, 2022. Since then, they have continued collaborating with various projects such as the HWPL Peace Tree, the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), and the Peace Mural to promote spaces for peace culture and interfaith exchanges.