Nationwide Operation for the Improvement of Public Mental Health and Healing of the Mind
Plans for a Nationally Certified Meditation Instructor Course, Establishing Systematic Qualification and Certification Standards
Good news has arrived for modern people exhausted by complex and busy daily lives.
The Zen meditation program developed by the Jogye Order (General Secretary Jinwoo) for the improvement of public mental health and healing of the mind is finally available for anyone to experience at temples nationwide.
At a press conference held on July 1 at the Seoul Dharma Center, the Jogye Order's Future Headquarters (Secretary General Seongwon) announced that the Zen meditation program will be fully operated at over 20 temples and institutions nationwide starting this summer vacation season.
Like a timely rain on parched land, this is a refreshing announcement for many who have been thirsty for new practices.
Step-by-Step Zen Meditation Experience Program Customized Meditation Course Design
The Zen meditation program prepared by the Jogye Order is structured as a systematic course that encompasses all levels from beginners to experts.
The experience program includes a 1-hour course that can be participated in without burden even during busy daily life, and a 1-night, 2-day course for those who want a deeper experience.
The introductory program is designed for those who want more systematic meditation practice, consisting of an intensive 2-night, 3-day course and a 4-week course, allowing participants to choose according to their situations and needs.
Notably, professional instructors who have completed specific training will directly operate the program. If requested by the temple, specialized Zen meditation instructors will also be dispatched, ensuring a higher quality meditation experience.
Zen Meditation Academy Starting in September
Starting this September, a more systematic Zen meditation academy will open. This program developed by the Zen Meditation Committee is subdivided into introductory (4 weeks), advanced (6 months), professional (1 year), and instructor (2 years) courses, allowing participants to deepen their meditation experience step by step like a university curriculum.
Seongwon stated, "We have prepared various programs so that the public can practically experience the Zen meditation program we have developed, and we expect to expand its base by operating a systematic Zen meditation program."
Nationally Certified Meditation Instructor Certificate, Establishing a Systematic Qualification Certification System
Currently, there are various meditation instructor certificates issued by different organizations in the market, but the standards are unclear and there is significant variation.
To address these issues, the Jogye Order is conducting a mid-to-long-term project to introduce a nationally certified Zen meditation instructor certificate system.
Seongwon stated, "The Jogye Order will present clear qualification standards and training courses for meditation instructors and will grant nationally certified instructor certificates based on this."
This also signifies the birth of a new professional field recognized for its expertise in the meditation sector.
Zen Meditation Seeping into Educational Settings Development of Curriculum for Youth Mental Health
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the Jogye Order's Zen meditation popularization project is the attempt to reflect meditation in youth education curricula. Currently, they are conducting 'School Curriculum Development Research' in collaboration with Dongguk University, and they are pushing to incorporate meditation content into elementary and middle school curricula starting next year.
During this summer vacation, training will be conducted for scholarship officers of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, and during the winter vacation, training will be conducted for teachers in Seoul. Deputy Director Seongman stated, "We plan to develop this year's program and consult with the education office and related institutions to prioritize religious schools for incorporating meditation into the curriculum starting next year."
This is significant in providing opportunities for our youth, who are suffering from academic stress and entrance exam competition, to find peace of mind.
2025 International Zen Meditation Conference, Regionally Distinct Zen Meditation Festivals
The 2025 International Zen Meditation Conference, which started in April at Bongeunsa Temple, is currently spreading to local festivals across the country. This is taking on the nature of a cultural festival where local residents participate together, beyond just a religious event.
Starting in May at Dongguk University WISE Campus, festivals were held in Incheon (21st) and Busan (28th-29th) in June. Every Sunday in July, the 'Lotus Festival' was held at Sejong Gwangjesa, and in August, festivals were held at Jangseong Baegyangsa and Cheonjinam with the theme of food meditation. In September, a youth meditation festival and temple stay will be held at Jeonju Seogosa, and in October, pet meditation and walking meditation will be conducted at Namyangju Bongseonsa.
In particular, the food meditation at Jangseong Baegyangsa and the pet meditation at Namyangju Bongseonsa showcase various forms of meditation in daily life, demonstrating that meditation can be a part of everyday life rather than something special.
A New Paradigm of Healing the Mind, The Future of Zen Meditation
Amid various stresses and mental fatigue in modern society, Zen meditation is establishing itself as an alternative for improving public mental health beyond simple religious practice. Especially, as research results have been announced showing that meditation is effective in alleviating increased feelings of depression and anxiety after COVID-19, interest in Zen meditation is rising even more.
Seongwon stated, "The various programs to be operated in the future will be an important turning point for the spread of Zen meditation to modern people who are thirsty for new practices," and added, "I hope many temples and institutions will actively participate so that Korean Buddhism's Zen meditation can penetrate deeper into the public and society."
The Jogye Order's Zen meditation popularization project plays an important role in spreading peace of mind and mental well-being throughout our society, going beyond simply providing programs. It offers a moment of pause for modern people exhausted by busy daily lives and a moment of tranquility for minds entangled in complex thoughts.
The 2025 International Zen Meditation Conference, which will conclude with a closing ceremony on October 30 after an international conference on 'Zen Meditation and Education' on October 29, is expected to serve as an important stepping stone for the spread of Korean Buddhism's Zen meditation to the world.
