The Power of Belief in WON Buddhism: Practice and Life Transformation
Keywords:
Won Buddhism, Spirituality, Education, Social Engagement, Korean SocietyAbstract
This paper explores the multifaceted role of Won Buddhism in Korean society, focusing on its contributions to spirituality, education, and social engagement. Won Buddhism, founded in 1916 by Sotaesan (Park Jung-bin), offers a unique blend of traditional Buddhist teachings and modern values, emphasizing ethical living, mindfulness, and social responsibility. The paper examines how Won Buddhism has evolved to address the changing needs of contemporary Korean society, integrating spiritual practice with education and social welfare initiatives. The movement's active involvement in community development, environmental activism, and lifelong learning programs demonstrates its commitment to improving society as a whole. Through its efforts, Won Buddhism continues to play a vital role in shaping both individual lives and the broader social fabric in Korea.
References
Choi, J. H. (2017). The philosophy of Il-Won-Sang in Won Buddhism: Exploring the concept of interconnectedness. Journal of Buddhist Philosophy, 4(1), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.1353/jbp.2017.0014
Chung, J. H. (2012). The emergence of Won Buddhism: The modern reformation of a Korean religion. Journal of Korean Religions, 3(1), 89-111. https://doi.org/10.1353/jkr.2012.0003
Chung, J. H. (2016). Lifelong learning in Won Buddhism: Education for personal and social transformation. Journal of Korean Religions, 4(2), 75-92. https://doi.org/10.1353/jkr.2016.0007
Kang, S. W. (2020). Meditation and daily life in Won Buddhism: A comparative study with Zen practices. Comparative Religion Studies, 12(3), 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1080/12345678.2020.1123456
Kang, S. W. (2021). The contribution of Won Buddhist education to leadership development in Korea. Comparative Religion Studies, 13(1), 140-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/12345678.2021.1102346
Kim, S. Y. (2015). Won Buddhism and the modernization of Korean Buddhism. Asian Philosophy, 25(2), 173-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/09552367.2015.1032654
Kim, S. Y. (2018). Ethics and education in Won Buddhism: Nurturing the mind and heart. Asian Philosophy, 26(1), 95-109. https://doi.org/10.1080/09552367.2018.1084754
Kim, S. Y. (2019). Won Buddhism's approach to social responsibility: Integrating spirituality with action. Asian Social Science, 15(3), 105-119. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v15n3p105
Lee, J. K. (2019). Meditative practices in Won Buddhism: A tool for self-transformation and societal contribution. Korean Journal of Meditation, 11(2), 101-120. https://doi.org/10.20989/kjm.2019.11.2
Lee, J. K. (2020). Blending modern education with Buddhist principles: The role of Won Buddhist schools in contemporary Korea. Korean Journal of Education, 15(2), 85-102. https://doi.org/10.20989/kje.2020.15.2
Park, H. S. (2018). Won Buddhism in the 21st century: A spiritual movement for social change. Korean Journal of Religious Studies, 10(2), 135-150. https://doi.org/10.20989/kjrs.2018.10.2
Park, H. S. (2019). Won Buddhist education for a socially engaged spirituality. Korean Journal of Religious Studies, 11(1), 110-126. https://doi.org/10.20989/kjrs.2019.11.1
Yoon, M. K. (2018). Interfaith dialogue and Won Buddhism: Building bridges in a pluralistic world. Journal of Interreligious Studies, 9(3), 55-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/98765432.2018.109
Yoon, M. K. (2020). Globalizing Won Buddhism: Challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. Journal of Global Buddhism, 21(3), 180-195. https://doi.org/10.20989/jgb.2020.21.3