Guide to Conduct and...

Dictionary

Guide to Conduct and Ceremony

Part3. Rites and Rituals of the Order

Chapter 10. Celebration

Section 1. About Celebration

There are celebrations that are observed regularly and those that are held as occasion demands. Regular celebrations include New Year’s Day, the Day of Great Enlightenment and Founding, the Birthday of Śākyamuni Buddha, and the Day of Dharma Authentication. These constitute the four main celebration days in Won-Buddhism. Occasional celebrations shall be held for the entire Order or for a relevant region for the purpose of celebrating events such as the completion of a temple, the establishment or expansion of an institution of the Order, the completion of a special project, joint sixtieth‐birthdays of persons of merit, the awarding of the Orders of Dharma Merit (Bŏphun-chang) or the Orders of Lotus (Yŏnhwa-chang), as well as commendations for the providers of distinguished services of the Order and welcoming or sending‐off of those who have returned from or about to set out on special journeys of the Order on assignment. These are to celebrate with reverence the foundation and progress of our work of edification, to congratulate the promise of the future, and to praise merits.