Won+Buddhism+Soowan,+Julia

=//**WON BUDDHISM**//=

**Introduction**
Won Buddhism was founded in the early 20th century in Korea. It is one of the major new religions in modern Korea. Buddhism in Korea is called ‘Bulgyo.’ The founder of Won Pulgyo is Pak Chung-Bin (1891-1943) who was also known as Venerable Sot'aesan to his followers. Won Buddhism first originated in 1916 when Pak first experienced an awakening to "the truth".



** Main symbols **
The symbol of Won Buddhism shown below is a circle which is also the meaning of "Won". It symbolizes the ultimate truth.

The core idea of Won Buddhism is that having knowledge of how to use our minds will lead to a happy, successful life. Won also aims to build a World of Oneness with peace and equality. Won was is claimed to be a reformed and modernized Buddhism which combines Buddhism with Confucianism and Daoism.
 * Teachings & Beliefs **

Won is a combination of both Zen and Pure Land. In the Chonjon Sot’aesan says we chant ‘Namo amita bul’ toward the Buddha in order for the salvation. Meditation is also a key to practice. “0” is the representative of the Won Buddhist order, since the symbol below also shows.

The Won Buddhists don't take refuge in the Three Jewels or support the traditional teachings, customs and sangha in Korea. The Won Buddhist followers disassociate themselves from old forms of traditional practice.

Dharmakaya Buddha is the source of blessings in Won Buddhism. It teaches how to integrate spiritual practice in everyday life by practicing zen, which keeps the mind pure and empty.
 * Dharmakaya **

Sutras
The founder of the Won Buddhism embraced the Diamond Cutter Sutra (Vajracchedika Sutra) which appeared to match his personal revelation. The religion emphasizes regular lay Son meditation practice and commitment to social welfare, religious freedom and world peace.

** Taejongsa **
Taejongsa is the Dharma Title for Sot’aesan. It is also the name of a Won Buddhist temple in Busan, which is named after him. Taejongsa is complete with a saritap, which is also called "tower of undying remains." There are about thirty Won Buddhist temples all over the world that carry out missions of Won Buddhism.

The aim of Won Buddhism is to build a World of Oneness with peace and equality by education, charity and the way of mission; the three major tasks. The Won Buddhist mission reaches foreign countries also including United States.
 * Won Buddhist mission **

"Introduction to Won Buddhism." __The Korea Herald__. 2 Mar. 2012. 14 Mar. 2012 .
 * Works Cited **

Pye, Michael. //Won Buddhism as a Korean New Religion//. Vol. 49. //JSTOR//. BRILL, 2002. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. .

Tedesco, Frank M. "Korean Buddhism at the Crossroads (Interview)." //Hindu Vivek Kendra//. Buddhapia. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

//Won Buddhism//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. .

"Awareness Holders | Hidden Yogin." //Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://hiddenyogin.com/awareness-holders/__] >.
 * Picture Source**

"Destination: Taejongdae Park(Busan)." //Asia Travel Guides, Reviews, Diary, News//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://www.travelwireasia.com/1529/destination-taejongdae-parkbusan/__] >.

"English Translation of Diamond Sutra." //English Translation of Diamond Sutra//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://diamondsutra.inkol.com/pages/04.html__] >.

Henshall, Ron. "Ron Henshall's Blog." //The Unborn Buddha Mind and Emancipation from the Born//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://theunborn.org.uk/blog.html__] >.

"Korean Prayer Beads | Joel Gordon Photography." //New York Photographer, Documentary, Stock Archive, Editorial & Assignment Photography//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://joelgordon.photoshelter.com/image/I0000H50WeKJvGxs__] >.

"My Ninth Trip to Busan." //Welcome to Charles Wetzel's Personal Site//. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://korea.charles-wetzel.com/Busan/Busan.htm__] >.

Ven. "Won Buddhism." //THE KOREA TIMES//. 28 Apr. 2011. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. <[|__http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/203_86091.html__]>.