Chairman's greeting

Greetings from the Chair of the Board

Welcome to the website of the Korean Institute for Buddhsit Studies.

The institute was founded in 1974 to conduct academic research on Buddhism, establish a proper understanding of Buddhism, and promote Korean Buddhism abroad. In addition to in-depth research on Buddhism, to conduct the communal study and practice of Buddhism, it has established the institute members' societies in Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, and Daejeon. The basis of the activities of the institute is summarized in the “Three Major Vows of Gudoin (Bodhi Seekers),” which are pledged together at every institute event:

      • We are the seekers of truth and
        follow the Bodhisattva path.
      • We live according to the ideals of
        "Returning to the One Mind" and
        "Benefitting Living Beings."
      • We practice the Four Infinite Minds and
         the Ten Pāramitās.

Based on the ideas of Mahāyāna Buddhism, especially those emphasized by the great master Wonhyo, the institute strives to realize the ideals of Buddhism through academic research and spiritual practice with the initiative of lay Buddhists. We look forward to the joining of those sympathetic to these ideas in our community.

Please visit the institute's website often to share useful information and become fellow practitioners in the pursuit of the Buddha's teachings.

I pray that the Buddha's blessings will always be with you.

KIM Jong-hwa
Chair, KIBS Board

 

KIM Jong-hwa graduated from the College of Medicine, Seoul National University where he received a doctorate in otolaryngology. He served as a vice president of the Korean Society of Otolaryngology and a vice president of the Alumni Association of the SNU College of Medicine for many years. In his first year of college, he attended a lecture on Buddhism by Professor Rhi Ki-yong and became instantly fascinated by Buddhist teachings. He became an active member of the College Buddhist Student Association and practiced under the guidance of Rhi Ki-yong and Seo Gyeong-su. After Rhi Ki-yong passed, he served as the president of the Seoul Gudohoe and the chair of the KIBS board in many terms, playing a central role in the successful operation of the institute.