“Master Sa-Myeong, who moved the Japanese invaders with a sermon” (Artwork by Park Seo-bo)

The Buddha stated that the root of all suffering is ignorance (無明). The destiny of a nation is no different. Haphazardly devising countermeasures when the enemy's blades are at your throat is not the attitude of a wise leader. 

The core of national defense is not to clean up the mess after an incident, but to prevent calamities before they strike through the wisdom of preparedness ('Yubi-muhwan' - foresight and preparedness).

Look back at history. The Imjin War, which stained this land with blood over 430 years ago, was by no means a sudden disaster. It was a man-made catastrophe brought about by the foolishness of the rulers who, despite detecting ominous movements from neighboring countries, remained complacent in their pacifist beliefs, thinking, "Surely, war won't break out." 

Peace devoid of wisdom is like a fragile glass that can shatter at any moment, and unprepared security is akin to a surrender document thrown to the enemy. 

Why Seosan and Sa-Myeong Took Up Arms

The first precept of Buddhism is the prohibition of killing (不殺生). However, during the Imjin War, Master Seosan and Master Sa-Myeong shed their monastic robes and took up swords. What was the reason?

It was out of compassion to save ten thousand lives by taking one ('Sal-saeng-yu-taek' - selective killing for the greater good), and a desperate realization that truth cannot exist without the foundation of our homeland. 

Master Seosan, despite his advanced age of 73, roused approximately 5,000 warrior monks by issuing calls to arms across the nation's temples. 

His disciple, Master Sa-Myeong, not only led the recapture of Pyeongyang Castle but also achieved diplomatic victory by crossing into Japan after the war and negotiating with Tokugawa Ieyasu to bring back over 3,500 prisoners of war. 

These individuals did not attempt to save the nation through prayer alone. They demonstrated practical patriotism by taking up arms, devising strategies, and plunging into enemy territory themselves. 

The peace we enjoy today is built upon the blood and sweat they shed. Yet, are we not forgetting their solemn lesson now?

Preparedness in the 'Deva King Sutra'

In the 'Deva King Sutra,' revered by the National Defense Buddhist Order, the Buddha recommended the practice of 'Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom)' as a means of national defense. 

Wisdom here refers to the insight to discern the currents of the world. The sutras warn of signs that appear before a nation faces disaster and teach leaders to maintain a vigilant spirit to strengthen national defense and care for their people. 

"A wise king does not forget calamities when the nation is at peace, and prepares for decline when it is strong. Security lies not in the height of the walls, but in the vigilant consciousness of the leader and the unified heart of the people." - From the teachings of the 'Deva King Sutra.'

Preparedness extends beyond mere military readiness. It is 'right view' (正見) that confronts enemy threats without embellishment, and diligence in national defense that remains unswayed by any temptation or threat. 

The vague optimism that "there will be no war in our generation" is the most terrifying demon (魔軍) that destroys a nation. 

Even Lotuses Do Not Bloom on Ground Where Security Has Collapsed

Every morning, I make a vow while striking the wooden bell. I vow that the youth of this land will no longer shed blood on the battlefield, and that this landscape will become a true pure land of peace. 

However, that peace is only possible when supported by strong power. Begging for peace without deterrence leads to cowardly submission and ultimately greater sacrifice. 

Prayer is not a sound, but a heart, and security is not words, but practice. The essence of the national defense spirit demonstrated by Seosan and Sa-Myeong lay in 'preparing in advance.' Warrior monks, having trained their bodies and minds through regular practice, were able to be most valiant on the front lines of national crisis. 

It is the same for us today. The military must be prepared through rigorous training, leaders must not use security as a tool for political infighting, and the public must not forget the importance of preparedness. 

Sever Foolish Pacifist Arguments with the Sword of Wisdom

Weak peace invites evil (惡), while strong preparedness wards off calamity (禍). Grand Master Eung-cheon wishes to emphasize one point through this platform. 

"Any discussion of security that is not premised on wisdom (般若) is a mere illusion." 

A nation that forgets the tragedies of its past has no future. We must deeply repent our history, where we repeated the humiliation of the late Joseon period despite enduring the horrors of the Imjin War. 

We must change now. I hope that the words of wisdom that bloom in the Lumini garden will become the striking stick that awakens the nation's security consciousness. 

Remembering the suffering of war when the nation is at peace is the highest form of practice and national defense. A nation with robust security, a Republic of Korea where the wisdom of preparedness lives, will be the true pure land where the Buddha smiles. 

◆ Monk Eung-cheon

Director General, Korean Buddhist National Defense Order 

First Commander, National Defense Monk Corps