The passing of Geunil Daejongsa. [Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism]
The passing of Geunil Daejongsa. [Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism]

Geunil Daejongsa, head monk of Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and honorary senior member of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, died Saturday. He was 86 and had 66 years of monastic seniority.

According to the Jogye Order and police and fire department authorities, Geunil collapsed around 9:19 a.m. Saturday while waiting for treatment at a hospital in Yeongju. Emergency care was administered, but he did not survive.

Born in Jindo, South Jeolla Province, Geunil entered monastic life at Eunhaesa Temple in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province. He received the novice precepts at Eunhaesa in 1961 under preceptor monk Dowon, and the full monastic precepts at Haeinsa Temple in 1967 under preceptor monk Seongu.

He served as head monk of Gounsa Temple — the head temple of the Jogye Order's 16th district — from 1980 to 1992, and subsequently served as head monk of Buseoksa Temple.

He also served as a central council member for the 9th through 12th terms, as a member of the appellate disciplinary committee, and as chairman of the board of Nungin Middle and High School from 2000 to 2002.

Doryun, chief executive of the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation and a monk who entered monastic life under Geunil as his master, described him as "a great spiritual teacher who trained under the leading Seon masters of his era — including monks Seongcheol, Gyeongbong and Hyanggok — and had his practice verified by them." Doryun added that Geunil "greatly developed Gounsa Temple, which had been struggling, during his time as head monk, and guided practitioners in Seon meditation through all-night meditation sessions held every month."

The Jogye Order said it is discussing funeral arrangements.


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