Beopjeong


Beopjeong, born Pak Jaecheol, was a Buddhist monk and writer from South Korea.

Biography

Born in 1932 in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province, Beopjeong graduated from Mokpo Commercial High School and entered Chonnam National University. In 1954, his junior year, he left school and decided to become a Buddhist monk as a follower of Hyobong Hangnul, a Jogye Seon master.
Beopjeong was widely known for his musoyu spirit, literally meaning "nonpossession" or "lack of possession," which he propagated through many of his publications, which have been loved by many Koreans. The following is a representative example of his direct, poignant style:
On December 14, 1997, Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan of the Korean Catholic Church attended and offered congratulations on the opening of Gilsangsa Temple, located in Seongbuk District, Seoul. In return, Beopjeong visited Myeongdong Cathedral on February 24, 1998, and delivered a special speech showing the harmony between religions.
On March 11, 2010, at the age of 77, in the 55th year of his monkhood, Beopjeong died in Gilsangsa, as a result of chronic lung cancer.
He said in his will: "Don't hold a funeral for me. Don't make a coffin. Dress me in cotton, which I used to wear. Scatter my ashes on the flower garden of the hut where I used to live." In accordance with his will, a simple cremation rite was held at Songgwangsa in Suncheon on March 13, 2010. There was no decorated bier or elegies, and thousands of people from all over the country attended.

In Korean

Non-Possession The Sound of the Soul Words and Silence The Sound of Water, the Sound of Wind Quiet Talks in the Mountains Throwing It Away, Leaving It All Behind India Travel Journal Desolate Forests, As Birds Have Gone Flower Blossoms in the Mountains The Beautiful Finish The Joy of Living Alone One Life, One Meeting One for All, All for One May All Beings Be Happy
  • ''The Books I Have Loved''

In translation

  • May All Beings Be Happy - edited by Ryu Shiva, translated by Matty Wegehaupt
  • The Sound of Water, the Sound of Wind - edited and translated by Brian Barry
  • Meditations of a Zen Master - edited and translated by David Bannon
  • Meditations of a Korean Monk - edited and translated by David Bannon