Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul has extended his congratulations to the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha’s Birthday, which falls on May 5 this year.
In a message addressed to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Archbishop Chung said, “On this meaningful day of May 5, when the pure laughter of children and the compassion of the Buddha come together, I sincerely congratulate you on the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday, Year 2569.”
The archbishop said that together with all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Seoul, “we light the lamp of the heart and share in this joy.”
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the Buddha’s birth, Archbishop Chung recalled that the newborn Buddha took seven steps and proclaimed his unique dignity, a gesture symbolizing the profound teaching that all life possesses inherent worth.
“This teaching is not exclusive to Buddhism but is connected to the message of respect for life that is shared by all religions and schools of thought,” he said.
Archbishop Chung encouraged reflection on this year’s Buddha’s Birthday theme, emphasizing the need to renew understanding of the Buddha’s words at the time of his birth in order to truly live out the message of “Peace in the World, Compassion in the Heart.”
He further emphasized the need to build bridges across religious traditions. “When we recognize and respect our shared values before our differences, the true meaning of the Buddha’s coming into this world will be more deeply realized,” he said. “This is the path all religions must walk together.”
The archbishop noted that the world today “more than ever” needs compassion and awareness of human interconnectedness.
“We live in an era where the teaching of compassion for all and pratītyasamutpāda—the awareness that all beings are interconnected—is desperately needed,” he said.
Archbishop Chung expressed hope that the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday would be marked by compassion and a commitment to practice. Citing the Sutta Nipata, he conveyed his wish for a time when all beings are happy and at peace, and when compassion and peace resound throughout the world.
The message was formally delivered to the Jogye Order’s administrative office on April 22.
