Won Buddhism was established by Great Master Sotaesan in Korea in 1916 with the founding motto: ‘As material civilization develops, cultivate spiritual civilization accordingly.’
The name Won Buddhism (Won-Bul-Kyo in Korean) is a compound word for truth, enlightenment, and teaching. Won means circle and symbolizes the ultimate truth. Bulmeans enlightenment and Kyo means teaching the truth. Therefore, Won Buddhism is the path that leads us to become enlightened to the truth.
Won Buddhism makes Buddha’s teaching relevant and suitable to contemporary society. Won Buddhism aims to revitalize and modernize Buddhism, bring ancient Buddhist truth to contemporary society, and use Buddhist teachings and meditation practice for practical and useful purposes. The goal of Won Buddhism is to build a One World Community and to realize the oneness of life based on the Buddhist worldview of interdependency and interconnectedness of all.
Won Buddhism UN & Interfaith Office envisions a world where all individuals and communities live in peace and harmony based on the Buddhist principles of interdependency and interconnectedness. They are inspired by the example of Master Sotaesan, the founder of Won Buddhism, who was also a champion of gender equality, international peace, and global cooperation. As they openly embrace and work with all faiths we are encouraged to see a growing awareness that when we advocate equality and fairness for all, they are also fostering sustainable economic and social systems.
Throughout the world, a hopeful emergence is gathering pace that embraces the ancient and spiritual perception of universal kinship and equality. Their office hopes to cultivate such heart-based wisdom at the individual, community, and global levels.
Watch many of Won Buddhism's videos at Won Buddhism Now. For more information, visit wonbuddhist.org.
