Buddhist Elements of Dongguk University: People, Places, and Programs

   Dongguk University is a university affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. One of the most prominent features of Dongguk University is the presence of Buddhist elements throughout the campus. Particularly, the foundation of the university is rooted in the foundational spirit of refining both academic knowledge and personal character based on Buddhist principles beyond the visible structures and statues, you can also discern Buddhist influences in the internal elements of the university, such as the curriculum and programs. This article will categorize various Buddhist elements found in the university into three aspects: people, places, and programs. In terms of people, the focus will be on students enrolled in the Department of Buddhist Studies. As for places, significant locations like Jeonggakwon and the university museum will be introduced. Regarding to programs, the Dongguk Post will show various activities held at Jeonggakwon, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into our university through the lens of Buddhism.

Let us learn about people related to Buddhism

   As you stroll through the campus, it is easy to come across monks. Moreover, some students attending classes appear monk-like, and in certain general courses, monks may even be doing the lectures. If you visit Jeonggakwon, you will witness monks bowing towards statues and reciting scriptures. Seeing monks on campus, especially in Seoul, can be an unfamiliar experience for freshmen and international students due to the common perception that monks primarily engage in practices within temples. Among them, some monks attend Dongguk University for their studies. Therefore, it is essential to understand the department of Buddhist Studies, where students deeply connected to Buddhism are enrolled. Students in this major study classical languages like Sanskrit, Chinese Characters, Pali, and Tibetan, as well as research areas such as Buddhist studies. It is crucial to note that not all students in the department of Buddhist Studies are monks.

   Through interviews with a student enrolled in the department of Buddhist Studies, the Dongguk Post can gain insights into the department. Park Jeong-min (Department of Buddhist Studies 22) said, “I have learned not only the knowledge of Buddhism, but also Buddhism scriptures, history, religion and language in department of Buddhism. Moreover, there are various lectures including yoga and meditation and viewing the fourth Industrial Revolution in Buddhist perspective. We also have considered the present and future direction of modern Buddhism with several classmates.” To the question of others’ awareness to the major, “Everyone seems to be very interesting. And I think a lot of people are curious about what they learn and where we get a job. It's the same every time, but I explain what I said above. If I tell you that I learn religion or philosophy in addition to Buddhism, many people surprised, so I also happily answer,” she said. Also, she added her own opinion about the department, “A lot of people do not know the atmosphere of our department, so I want to let you know about this. There are not only passionate professors, but also many fellow students having passion to humanities and philosophy. I think it is an advantageous department where you can hear a lot of very useful stories from them, and I hope other undergraduates will remember and feel this.”

Why do not you visit the places related to Buddhism

   The unique places related to Buddhism in the university can be broadly divided into two locations: the museum and the Jeonggakwon. Firstly, some students may not be well aware of the museum’s existence. Located next to the Hyehwa Hall, the Dongguk University Museum was established in 1963. It collects, preserves, and exhibits Buddhist archaeological and art materials, striving to investigate, excavate, and research Buddhist art to benefit of academia and education. Notably, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions to highlight the excellence of Buddhist artifacts. Secondly, Jeonggakwon, established with the purpose of embodying the foundational spirit, serves as an institution rooted in Buddhist principles for academic research and character development. Open to Dongguk University students, faculty, and the general public, it plays a role as a sacred space in the urban setting. Jeonggakwon engages in various religious activities, organizing Buddhist ceremonies, and providing spiritual counseling to Dongguk individuals. Through these diverse religious activities, Jeonggakwon contributes to the spiritual wellbeing of the Dongguk community.

   The Dongguk Post can hear personal opinion about Jeonggakwon. Jeong Seong-min (Department of English 22) remembers Jeonggakwon in this way; “First of all, I was curious because it was the building that I couldn't see often, but it was amazing that I could see it in the school and enter it. Jeongakwon is particularly memorable because of the lotus lanterns installed on the stairs of Jeongakwon during the Lotus Lantern Festival, and it has a good impression because it is a unique building that can only be seen in our school.” To the question of visiting experience, “I was curious about the inside, and I personally wanted to make a wish, so I went to pray. I usually like to go to temples, so I felt familiar with Buddhist paintings and Buddha statues, and I could see monks who were bowing, and I remember praying quietly next to them,” he said. Jeonggakwon is a place for individual religious activities and a place to recall Buddhism in Dongguk University.

Buddhist programs are being provided by Dongguk University

   There are three Buddhist related programs recommended to Donggukians. First, there is the “Buddhist Cultural Experience.” This is designed for international exchange students. Applications for participation are accepted periodically during the semester, and participants can earn Dream PATH mileage. Activities mainly include visiting the Korean temple food culture experience center or exploring the cultural aspects of Korean temples in the metropolitan area, such as cooking Buddhist cuisine. Next is the “Donggukian Autonomous Practice Prog ram” organized by Jeonggakwon. This program encourages students and employees at Dongguk University to engage in daily practices. It is divided into two categories: “Wise Practicing Life of Donggukians” and “Donggukians Visit the Temple of the Month.” Participants can earn practice points based on their activities. The “Wise Practicing Life of Donggukian” includes activities such as meditation, reading the sutras, and 108 bows. Participants choose their desired practice field and conduct personal practice. Support is provided for practice items, and upon completing two practices or participating for more than two months, participants receive commemorative gifts. “Donggukian Visits the Temple of the Month” is a program where participants choose a recommended temple each month, visit it, and submit photos of the representative artifacts and evidence of their visit to qualify for participation. Lastly, there is a program called “Ready to Meditate.” This program offers activities available on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the semester. On Tuesdays, there is “Singing Bowl Meditation Therapy” and a “Mindful tea time,” while Thursdays offer “Meditation through yoga” and a program called “Becoming Friends with Myself.”

   The Dongguk Post participated in the “Becoming Friends with Myself.” Led by a monk, the session involved learning and practicing walking meditation. It provided an opportunity for highquality meditation under the guidance of the monk, and the post-meditation discussions allowed for interaction with other Donggukians, so the program seems to be valuable and highly recommended. As the university actively provides opportunities for students to get closer to Buddhism, it is hoped that student participation will continue to support these programs.

The Dongguk Post has explored how Buddhism, a prominent feature of Dongguk University, can be discovered throughout the campus. Due to the nature of religion, approaching Buddhism may be challenging, but there is undoubtedly an aspect of familiarity through general education classes and various Buddhist experience programs. The Dongguk Post hopes that through this article, readers will become aware of the diverse Buddhist elements on campus and take the opportunity to visit Jeonggakwon or participate in various Buddhist experience programs to gain firsthand experiences.