Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho posted a message Monday on his social media account congratulating the installation of Venerable Jajun as the new head monk of Yeombulsa Temple. The post, titled "A new path of compassion and sharing: the head monk installation ceremony at Yeombulsa Temple," opened with Choi extending his "heartfelt congratulations" on the occasion.
Choi said the temple marked the occasion with a donation to the city — 200 bags of white rice weighing 10 kilograms each, valued at about 8 million won ($5,960). "The rice will be carefully distributed to low-income households and veterans' organizations in the area," he said.
He then cited a passage from the Avatamsaka Sutra's chapter on Samantabhadra's vows — "yeomnyeom sangseok muyu gandan, sineoeouieop muyu piyeom" — which speaks of unceasing, tireless practice of body, speech and mind. "I pray that Venerable Jajun's path will likewise be one of unending compassion and sharing," he said.
Choi added that the city would work alongside the temple to ensure that "today's warm spirit reaches every corner of our community," and said he hoped Yeombulsa would grow into "a sanctuary of compassion that brings peace and stability to the hearts of our citizens."
fob140@heraldcorp.com
