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A large-scale rally to raise awareness of the climate crisis and call for solutions saw the participation of the Buddhist community.
As part of Culture Masters' (CM) initiative to introduce global efforts from diverse communities addressing climate change, we highlight this significant event where Buddhist organizations in Korea took a stand against the climate crisis.
Buddhist environmental organizations participated in the '907 Climate Justice March' on September 7, held on Gangnam-daero in Seoul, calling for measures to address the climate crisis.
On September 7, over 300 Buddhists, including members of Buddhist organizations such as the Buddhist Environmental Network (represented by Ven. Beopman), Buddhist Climate Action (represented by Ven. Ilmun), and the National Bhikkhuni Association (led by Ven. Gwangyong), participated in the ‘907 Climate Justice March’ held on Gangnam-daero in Seoul. They united to call for policy changes to combat the climate crisis.
The march was held under the theme “Change the World, Not the Climate.” The event highlighted that the current climate crisis stems from an industrial capitalist system that destroys nature. As a symbolic act, participants marched past the headquarters of major corporations such as POSCO and Samsung Electronics, identified as the largest greenhouse gas emitters in South Korea. Organizers estimated around 20,000 participants, while police estimated 10,000. Protesters also condemned the construction of new nuclear power plants and chanted for a nuclear-free future.
Buddhist Contributions at the March
Before the march began, Buddhists held a pre-event featuring religious ceremonies, statements, and prayers for a nuclear-free future. They emphasized overcoming the climate crisis based on Buddha’s teachings of compassion to create a world of coexistence.
Venerable Gwangyong, President of the National Bhikkhuni Association, urged practitioners to become 'Environmental Bodhisattvas' and create a Pure Land through their vows during a Buddhist Dharma Assembly.
Ven. Gwangyong, President of the National Bhikkhuni Association, led a Buddhist service and called for creating a pure land as environmental bodhisattvas. She stated, “Although Buddha taught us the harmony of life, we must repent for failing to correct the world’s wrongdoings as Buddhists. Moving forward, let us adopt the teachings of interdependence as our compass and walk the path of environmental bodhisattvas to purify and adorn our land.”
Ven. Wonkyung, Co-Representative of the Buddhist Environmental Network, referenced the Lotus Sutra in her statement, addressing the significance of Buddhist participation in the Climate Justice March. “As the Lotus Sutra says, ‘The three worlds are on fire.’ Our planet is burning, and we cannot close our eyes to it. Buddhists practicing Buddha’s teachings of respect for life are participating in this march for the well-being of all living beings in this era of climate crisis,” she emphasized.
During the interfaith prayers for a nuclear-free future, Ven. Cheondo, Co-Representative of the Ulsan Buddhist Environmental Network, prayed for a world free of selfish desires. “Climate disasters such as heat waves caused by mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal are threatening our lives. If we change this self-centered world we’ve been racing toward, we can all live safe and protected lives,” she urged.
Participants performing a 'Die-in' act. They lay on the ground or sat motionless with their heads bowed for five minutes.
The March and ‘Die-In’ Performance
Buddhists proposed the “Five Environmental Precepts” to guide life in the age of the climate crisis:
Respect all life: “Live a life of reverence and service.”
Preserve people and nature: “Live a life that nurtures.”
Abandon desires: “Live simply and modestly.”
Embrace inconvenience over excessive convenience: “Enjoy discomfort.”
Practice sharing: “Live a life of practice and giving.”
The march began at Exit 11 of Gangnam Station and continued 3 km to Samsung Station. Buddhist organizations led the procession, carrying a large, globe-shaped balloon. Participants chanted slogans like, “We can’t live with climate disasters!” “Guarantee the right to life!” and “Public renewable energy is the solution!” in rhythm with Ven. Cheondo’s wooden fish percussion.
The highlight of the march was a “Die-In” performance, where participants lay motionless on the asphalt for five minutes as a siren blared, symbolizing the urgent need to halt the system accelerating the climate crisis. Men and women, young and old, all lay still with their eyes closed, embodying the gravity of the crisis.
Ven. Toehyu, Honorary Representative of the Buddhist Practitioners’ Association, remarked, “The climate crisis is a matter of realizing Buddha’s teaching to live in harmony. I applaud the participation of Buddhists in the Climate Justice March and hope more monks and Buddhists will show interest and take action on this issue.”
Jung Ji-hoo, a 17-year-old student from Goyang Free School, who participated with school friends, shared, “I’ve always been interested in the climate crisis, and this march was a great opportunity. I hope the government recognizes the public’s concerns through this march and works to improve environmental policies.”
Participants marched through the heart of Seoul, appealing for public support to join environmental protection campaigns.
Buddhist Climate Action’s Role
Buddhist Climate Action, rooted in Buddha’s teachings of interdependence and respect for life, has been leading efforts to improve civic awareness and social systems in the face of the climate crisis. They are joined by over 20 temples nationwide, along with the Jogye Order, Taego Order’s National Bhikkhuni Association, the Buddhist Practitioners’ Association, the Korean College Buddhist Association, and others.
Source: Hyunbul News (http://www.hyunbulnews.com)
--This article is part of Culture Masters’ effort to share inspiring stories of communities across the globe fighting against climate change, showcasing diverse approaches to fostering a sustainable future.
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