The First Dharma King of World Buddhism begins the flight of the Peng Bird. (Part 1)

 

By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

 

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels, we honor the Dharma King's great aspiration. His Holiness the First Dharma King, the Most Venerable Buddhist Il Bung Seo Gyeong-bo, illuminated the world with the light of the Buddha Dharma. Throughout his life, he soared ten thousand miles with the wings of a Peng Bird for the salvation of mankind and the peace of humanity.

 

 

Therefore, to honor and perpetuate His Eminence's Dharma lineage and teachings, the Damwhachongsa, on the occasion of the autumn full moon festival, dedicates this seven-part serialized project to present his life and teachings once more.

 

From his first steps as an ordained monk to his attainment of the supreme virtue of a Tripitaka Master, and ultimately his elevation as the Dharma King of World Buddhism, proclaiming peace and harmony, his footsteps will forever be a guiding light for us all today.

 

The Dharma King's vow to make the entire world bloom like a single lotus flower—World as One Flower—remains alive and breathing in this very era.

 

Therefore, I humbly present this serialized series to honor His Eminence's great achievements and pass them on to future generations. I pray that readers and the public will also join us in cherishing this meaning. [Written by Damwhachongsa]

 

 

Part 1. The First Dharma King of World Buddhism: The Fluttering Wings of a Phoenix Begin.
Part 2. Becoming a Buddhist montk and Practice: The Path of the Dharma Begun at Sanbanggulsa Temple, Jeju.
Part 3. Scholarship and the Order: The Path of the Tripitaka Master, Master of Both Doctrine and Practice.
Part 4. Leaping into the World: The First Korean Monk to Travel to America and Overseas Propagation.
Part 5. The Enthronement of the Dharma King of World Buddhism: A Declaration for Humanity's Peace.
Part 6. Breaking Down Religious Barriers - Meeting with the Pope, Practicing One World, One Family
Part 7. The Legacy of the Dharma King's Office and Today – the Most Venerable Il Bung's Last Will and Its Continuation

 

Like a single lotus blossoming, compassion and peace must also bloom in the hearts of humanity. This single sentence encapsulates the life of the great monk Il Bung Seo Gyeong-bo (1914–1996), who devoted his entire life to world Buddhism and human peace.

 

Korean Buddhism's First Steps Toward the World
In the mid-20th century, Korean Buddhism had to find a new path amidst the turmoil of war and modernization. At that time, a great monk emerged, embodying scholarship, practice, and a vision for the world.

 

Born in Seogwipo, Jeju, Venerable Ilbong entered the monastic life at the age of 19 at Sanbanggulsa Temple, walking the path of the Dharma. As a disciple of the great scholar-monk Park Han-yeong, he cultivated profound learning. He further honed his Buddhist studies at Dongguk University and Japan's Rinzai College, solidifying his academic foundation.

 

His life transcended being merely a monk of one region or one nation. Throughout his life, he expanded the stature of Korean Buddhism globally, ultimately ascending to the unprecedented position of the inaugural Dharma King of World Buddhism.

 

The Peng Bird, Embracing a Grand Vision

 

His Dharma name, Il Bung (一鵬), means “One Peng Bird.” The Peng Bird is a giant bird appearing in Zhuangzi's “Xiaoyaoyou” (逍遙遊), a being soaring toward the boundless heavens. True to his name, Venerable Il Bung's life was always directed toward the vast and distant.

 

He was a ‘Tripiṭaka Master’ who combined scholarship and practice, while simultaneously projecting the presence of Korean Buddhism on the stages of the monastic order, society, and the world.

 

 

One Flower in the World, the Vow Blooming as One Flower
The theme he emphasized throughout his life was “One Flower in the World.” This idea that the world should bloom as one flower was a vision of peace and compassion transcending borders, religions, and ideologies.

 

He visited the Vatican to personally present prayer beads to the Pope and lectured on ‘Zen and Peace’ at the United Nations. He also traveled to countries around the world, including the United States, Thailand, Myanmar, and India, preaching Buddhism and peace. This was a historic step that opened the ‘first door’ for Korean Buddhism to engage in dialogue with the world.

 

 

The Dharma Lineage That Continues to This Day
Before entering permanent domicile in 1996, the Venerable Master left behind the testament: “The Dharma must be the path that saves people within the world.” Today, that Dharma lineage is carried on by the Venerable Master's former chief secretary, Damwhachongsa.

 

Cheongju Byeoksa Chobuljeongsa Temple, the Diplomatic Art Center, scholarship programs, and social service initiatives are all steps to realize the Master's will in reality. This is not mere commemoration, but the path to carry forward the spirit of the Dharma King's Court in a way that fits the times. The life of the Most Venerable Il Bung Seo Gyeong-bo was the first soaring flight of Korean Buddhism toward the world, and the flapping of wings of a Peng Bird toward world peace.

 

Now, as we reflect on his life anew, we ask:
“For what purpose does the Dharma exist?”
His entire life was the clearest answer to this question.

 

“For mankind, for the peace of humanity.”

 

Pine Wind, Plum Moon
Pine wind, ten thousand miles clear,
The world is illuminated by the plum moon's light.
Heart still, observing formlessness, all things are illusory.
Spring dwells everywhere in the Dharma Realm.

 

  ◆ For reference, this poem was composed by the Damwhachongsa based on the handwritten calligraphy of Master Ilbong: 松風梅月송풍매월.

 

Aspiration Verse

 

One flower blooms, illuminating the entire world.
One mind opens, embracing all directions.
The light of compassion never fades.
The Dharma King's Vow Power manifests today.