Dongguk University is a Buddhist foundation school. Therefore, from the name of the school buildings, to the temple located inside the campus, it is filled with a variety of Buddhist elements. However, only a few students know properly about the Buddhist features on campus. For example, do you know properly about the meaning behind the name of Hyehwa Hall? If you do not, then read on to find out. The Dongguk Post would like to help enhance Dongguk University students' experience on campus by explaining these Buddhist elements.
School symbols and the Buddhist meaning behind them
Dongguk University's school symbols significantly represent Buddhist values. Dongguk's school motto is "wisdom, compassion, and diligence." All three words are related to Buddhism, and they convey meanings that can help guide students along the right path. First, wisdom in Buddhism refers to the realization of karmic affinity. Karmic affinity is a relational connection through being linked in karma, thus meaning that everything is interrelated, and is the core of Buddhist teachings. Second, compassion, which in Buddhism also includes love, is an act that can only be practiced when one is free of selfish greed and overcomes jealousy and anger with a generous mind. Lastly, diligence is a Buddhist practice that recommends diligently practicing to find enlightenment with a pure and untainted mind.
Next, let us look at Dongguk University's school colors, gray and orange. Both colors are used in Buddhist robes, with each meaning greatly related to Buddhist teachings. Orange symbolizes the wise teachings and enlightenment of the Buddha. Gray refers to the golden mean, because gray is the middle area between black, which reflects all light, and white, which absorbs all light.
Name of school buildings informed by Buddhist knowledge
Many buildings at Dongguk University have Buddhist meanings. Let us look at two main buildings. First, Hyehwa Hall, which houses the College of Police and Justice, the College of Future Convergence, and the Korean Language Institute. Hyehwa Hall's "hyehwa" is assumed to come from the verb "to hyehwa," which means to educate by giving grace. It is a term often used in Buddhism and was also used for Hyehwa College, the former name of Dongguk University.
Next is Manhae Hall, which is used as a faculty research center, and Manhae Square, which is often used for campus events. The name "Manhae" comes from the poet Han Yong-Un. Han Yong-Un was a Korean poet, monk, and independence activist who graduated from Myeongjin School, the predecessor of Dongguk University. He planned the March 1st Movement, participated in writing the Declaration of Independence, and as a poet, he made significant contributions to the development of Korean literature through his masterpieces. As a monk, he led the reformation of Korean Buddhism, which was mired in outdated mannerisms. Dongguk University honors his achievements with the Manhae Hall and Manhae Square, by using his poet name "Manhae" to honor him as an alumnus.
Paljeongdo, filled with a variety of Buddhist meanings
If you were to name the most representative and iconic place on Dongguk University's campus, it would be Paljeongdo. Paljeongdo is the main square of Dongguk University, located in front of Myeongjin Hall, the most representative building of Dongguk University. Paljeongdo was named after the Korean translation of Buddhism, the eight ways—Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Concentration, and Right Mindfulness—that must be practiced to reach the spiritual world of enlightenment.
Within Paljeongdo is a statue of Buddha, which has been guarding Paljeongdo since the unveiling ceremony on November 5th, 1964, and statues of elephants, the school's mascot. Many Dongguk University professors and students are Buddhists, so you may see them bowing as they pass by the Buddha statue. In Buddhism, when greeting or bowing, the arms are raised to chest level and the two palms and ten fingers are joined together to show a single focus. According to Jeonggakwon's abbot Jin Myung, the meaning behind the act of bowing is to show that you and I are not two separate people, but one, and also to honor and respect the person you are greeting. With this understanding of Paljeongdo, the symbols of Paljeongdo, and the meaning of bowing, why not try a bow when you pass the Buddha statue on campus?
Dongguk University is filled with deep Buddhist elements, from building names and symbols to every corner of the campus. Discovering these Buddhist features within the school we go to every day, and understanding their meaning, will bring wisdom and peace to our studies and lives. The Dongguk Post encourages students to continue their journey to find wisdom and peace, and hopes that more students will now learn about and appreciate the Buddhist heritage of Dongguk University.