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Profile:
Name: Won Buddhism
Founded: 1924
Founder:
Name: Soe-tae San
Born: May 5, 1891
Died: June 1, 1943
History:
Won Korean form of Buddhism, and won is Korean for "circular". The
founder, Soe-tae San spent many years living as an ascetic until he claimed to
have achieved enlightenment in 1915. In 1924 he established the Association for
the Study of Buddha-Dharma in Iksan city. During the Japanese occupation,
however, the group remained relatively small. So-tae-san was succeeded by Kyu
Song Chongsan (1900-1962) who supervised the school of Won Buddhism as it greatly
increased its numbers.
Beliefs:
Won Buddhism incorporates aspects of Zen Buddhism (for example, the practices of
meditation) with the principle that the Buddha can be found in all things, in all
places and at all times - so long as one is willing to look. Adherents of Won
Buddhism practice meditation upon a single object: a black circle on a field of
white (the black circle is the source of the name Won).
Won Buddhism does not require adherents to follow any specific rituals and monks are permitted to marry. Adherents are generally active in society and with important political issues.
Also Known As: Sot'aesan
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
