The circle. That’s what defines Won Buddhism. Look above the altar. See that large round circle? That’s the Il Won Sang the One Circle Image.
Won Buddhism a modern Buddhist tradition originated in Korea in 1916. Its founder Master Sotaesan Park Joongbin experienced enlightenment that year. He envisioned a practice emphasizing equality for all regardless of gender class or race. His founding motto was With this Great opening of matter let there be a Great opening of spirit.
Sotaesan grew up poor. His only formal education was two years of local primary schooling. He began questioning universal phenomena at age seven. He sought answers from mountain spirits and enlightened teachers but found them lacking. He spent years in deep contemplation often enduring harsh conditions. At age 25 his fellow villagers considered him a lost soul. His enlightenment in 1916 however changed everything. Won Buddhists celebrate this annually as Great Enlightenment Day.
Sotaesan’s enlightenment led him to examine various religions. Though his thought contained Confucian and Taoist elements he ultimately found resonance in Buddhism particularly the Diamond Sutra. He attracted followers selecting nine disciples. Early principles included diligence frugality and the elimination of formal rituals and superstition. A key element and one still central today was the blurring of the lines between laity and priesthood. Sotaesan focused on improving followers’ daily lives establishing savings institutions and undertaking a massive levee-building project.
In August 1919 those nine disciples pledged their lives to the movement. An event now known as The Miracle of the Blood Seal saw their thumbprints on a pledge document turn red. The community was named Bulbeop Yeongu Hoe Society for the Study of the Buddha-dharma in 1924. It remained a small rural order until the end of Japanese occupation in 1945. Sotaesan’s successor Jeongsan renamed it Won Buddhism in 1947.
Won Buddhism’s core doctrine is the belief in Il Won Sang. It represents the original source of all beings the mind-seal of all Buddhas and the original nature of all sentient beings. The Four Principles are Awareness of Grace and Requital of Grace Right Enlightenment and Right Practice Selfless Service to the Public and Practical Application of the Buddha-dharma. The Fourfold Grace includes gratitude for Heaven and Earth parents fellow beings and laws.
Since 1945 Won Buddhism has grown significantly. While precise numbers are unclear South Korea’s 2005 census showed approximately 130 000 members. The Won Buddhist Headquarters estimates over one million worldwide. Won Buddhism emphasizes gender equality. Both men and women are called gyomunim and hold equal status.
So here you stand before a testament to Sotaesan’s vision a place where the circle symbolizes unity where the pursuit of enlightenment blends seamlessly with everyday life. Won Buddhism continues to evolve adapting ancient Buddhist truths for contemporary society a modern religion for a modern world.