Memorial service to be held Wednesday at Beomeumlyo
Venerable Myeonggon, a senior monk of Hwaeomsa — the head temple of the 19th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism — has died at 73, with 55 years of monastic seniority.
Born on Jeju Island in 1954, Myeonggon entered monastic life in 1972 under Seon Master Docheon at Hwaeomsa. He received the novice precepts the following year on Jan. 5 under Preceptor Dogwang, and on April 26, 1975, received the full precepts at Beomeosa in Yangsan under Preceptor Goam.
He went on to devote himself to Seon meditation, undertaking retreat training at leading monastic centers including Chongji Seon Center at Beopjusa on Songnisan, Haeinsa in Hapcheon, Beomeosa and Yongjusa.
After receiving the rank of Jongsa in 2009, he took up residence at Hwaeomsa's Manwoldang hall, where he dedicated himself to teaching disciples.
A condolence altar for Myeonggon has been set up at Beomeumlyo within the Hwaeomsa temple grounds. Head Monk Useok of Hwaeomsa will serve as chair of the funeral committee.
The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Beomeumlyo, after which the remains will be transferred to Yeonhwadae for the cremation ceremony.
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