Japan-Korea Buddhist Dialogue

Working for Peace Beyond Sectarian Differences

Ven. Bogeom, Chairman of the Korean Chapter of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace
Rev. Wako Higashi, Chief Priest of Chokoan Temple

On February 8, during the 31st International Symposium on Unified Thought held in Tokyo, Ven. Bogeom, Chairman of the Korean Chapter of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, and Rev. Wako Higashi, Chief Priest of Chokoan Temple, engaged in a dialogue. (Compiled and edited by the editorial team)

Decline of Buddhism and Religion

Higashi: The decline of religion is becoming more evident worldwide. It is said that there are currently about 77,000 temples in Japan, but since one monk often manages five temples, the actual number of active temples is estimated to be around 20,000.

Bogeom: In Korea, there are about 10,000 temples and 20,000 monks.

Higashi: A major difference between Japan and Korea is that Christianity has not spread widely in Japan, with Christians making up only about 1% of the population. Although about 30% of Japanese people are considered Buddhists, this number is gradually decreasing. As more people become non-religious, there is a growing tendency to disregard the unseen. Religion plays an important role in preventing such a cultural shift.

Bogeom: After World War II, Christianity spread in Korea under American influence. Christian pastors actively engaged in missionary work, which contributed to its expansion. In contrast, Korean Buddhism has not been as focused on missionary activities.

Higashi: Japan frequently experiences natural disasters, and during such times, Buddhist monks have gone out into the towns to encourage struggling people and chant sutras for the deceased. This active involvement in social activities has helped Buddhism gain respect.

Bogeom: In Korea, Christianity has earned trust through its social contributions, such as establishing schools and hospitals. Buddhist monks, on the other hand, have not engaged in such activities as extensively.

Hiashi: Traditionally, Buddhism has focused on monks withdrawing into temples to cultivate inner peace. That is the essence of true Buddhism.

Bogeom: While seeking enlightenment in solitude is the core of Buddhism, as a religion, it must also help people. Engaging in social activities is an essential responsibility.

In Japan, Buddhism has a stable foundation, allowing it to engage in such activities. However, in Korea, Confucianism has been dominant, and there was a time when Buddhism lost its social influence, making it more difficult to establish a strong foundation.

Higashi: In fact, even in Japan, Buddhism was suppressed during the early Meiji era. The government prioritized State Shintoism to strengthen the nation, and Buddhism, being a non-violent religion, was deemed unsuitable for that era. However, as people sought spiritual support, Buddhism revived.

The Meiji government allowed Buddhist activities but encouraged monks to marry in an effort to weaken their traditional role. This was when Japanese Buddhist monks began to marry.

From the Nara period to the Edo period—about a thousand years—Shinto and Buddhism were syncretized. Confucianism and Taoism further blended with them, helping to maintain stability. For example, the concept of graves comes from Taoism, while Confucianism emphasizes respect for ancestors and family. This combination of four religious traditions provided balance; if Buddhism had existed alone, it might not have survived.

Interfaith Exchange to Share Wisdom

Higashi: After World War II, religious leaders around the world began engaging in dialogue. I believe Japanese monks should pay more attention to issues like the division of the Korean Peninsula and actively exchange wisdom with others.

Bogeom: As the Chairman of the Korean Chapter of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, headquartered in Mongolia, I joined Buddhist monks from various Asian countries on August 6 last year in Hiroshima, where we prayed for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

We are also working to revive Buddhism in India. Since Buddhism is a religion of “wisdom” and “compassion,” we must encourage people to cultivate compassionate hearts.

Higashi: My teacher, Grand Priest Kobayashi Ryusho of the Tendai Shu, served for a long time as the head of Buddhist exchange conferences between Japan, China, and Korea. Following his footsteps, I have visited Korea many times. Regardless of political situations, it is crucial to continue these exchanges without interruption.

Bogeom: The Japanese Buddhist community is much larger than Korea’s. Japanese Buddhist universities conduct extensive academic research, and the Korean Buddhist community has much to learn from them. I hope both sides can collaborate and develop together.

Furthermore, I want to expand dialogue beyond Buddhist sects and engage with people from different religions. It is essential to work together for peace, transcending sectarian differences. I will continue my efforts in this regard.

Higashi: Instead of imposing our own beliefs or interfering with others, we should respond with compassion when we see people suffering or in sorrow. When the genuine desire to act arises from the heart, we can move together in unity.

I deeply respect you, Ven. Bogeom. Thank you very much.