About Won Buddhism

Won Buddhism, is a modern religion originating in Korea. It can be regarded as either a syncretic new religious movement or a reformed Buddhism. The name "Won Buddhism" comes from the Korean words 원/圓 won ("circle") and 불교/佛敎 bulgyo ("Buddhism"), literally meaning "Round Buddhism" or interpreted as "Consummate Buddhism." The stated goals of Won Buddhism are for people to realize their own innate buddha nature and to save all sentient beings by serving others. Emphasis is on interaction with daily life, not “stilling the impulses,” but rather acting in accord with “appropriate desires.” Won Buddhism's Founder, Sotaesan believed that over-emphasis on the material world in relation to the spiritual world would create undue suffering; his Founding Motto was, “With this Great Opening of matter, let there be a Great Opening of spirit.” In essence, Won Buddhism proposes adapting to and overcoming modernity.