Noblesse oblige, a French term meaning "nobility has obligations," refers to social leaders repaying their societal debt through donations, volunteer work, and fulfilling military service obligations.

Today, South Korea faces severe turmoil both domestically and internationally. North Korea's nuclear threat has become a daily concern, and the nation's interests are precariously balanced amidst the power struggles of major countries. 

In this crisis, what is the most fundamental and stringent virtue required of national leaders? 

It is precisely 'Noblesse Oblige'—the moral obligation commensurate with one's social status—to dedicate oneself entirely to the nation.

As the Chief Abbot of the Korean Buddhist Order of National Defense, I have always emphasized, "There can be no Buddha without a nation." This is because no matter how profound the Buddha's teachings may be, everything becomes an illusion if the land where these teachings are conveyed and practiced collapses.

However, I am utterly disheartened by the current state of South Korea's leadership. While they emphasize security and sacrifice to the public, many among them shirk their sacred duty of national defense with all sorts of excuses.

How can leaders who have never experienced military service, who do not understand the value of the solitude and sweat of the battlefield, become the final bastion protecting the lives of the people?

Leaders Must Be at the Forefront of the Battlefield

We must learn a painful lesson from Israel, a formidable small nation in the Middle East. When war breaks out, Israel's leadership recalls even their children serving abroad to the front lines.

It is commonplace for prime ministers to lose sons on the battlefield and for generals to charge into enemy lines ahead of their soldiers. The reason the public trusts the nation and willingly sacrifices their lives is the assurance that their leaders are enduring even greater sacrifices.

Conversely, what is our reality? The proportion of South Korean leaders who have not completed military service is overwhelmingly high compared to the general public. While they cite various reasons such as illness or financial hardship, the public's sense of betrayal reaches its peak when their own children follow the same path.

The security proclaimed by leaders who have avoided military service can never resonate with the hearts of the people. It is an unmerciful doctrine, no different from faith without practice, like 'lighting a fire in the air'.

The Heart of the Benevolent King Guards the Nation

The 'Benevolent King's Path' to overcome national crises is clearly stipulated in the 'Inwanggyeong' (Sutra of the Benevolent King), the fundamental scripture of the Order of National Defense. The Buddha taught that when a nation faces a crisis, peace is restored only when the king first cultivates Prajnaparamita and practices compassion.

The wisdom of Prajna mentioned here is not conceptual meditation. It signifies the 'selfless dedication' of a leader who discards personal gain and empties themselves solely for the well-being of the people.

"O King, if you wish to protect the land, you must open the eye of wisdom and first govern yourself. When a leader's heart is pure and their actions are just, no external enemy will dare to invade; this is the unseen power that protects the nation." - 'Inwanggyeong'

This teaching applies sternly to today's leaders. Noblesse oblige is not merely a moral suggestion; it is a practice that generates the fundamental energy to protect the nation.

Only when leaders fulfill their military duty, send their children to the front lines, and take the lead in national suffering does that nation become an unshakeable 'One Mind Pure Land'.

Security is Practice, Not Sound; Patriotism is Dedication

I often respond to the public's criticism of prayers and the sound of wooden fish with this:

"Prayer is not sound, but a heart; the wooden fish is not an echo, but diligent practice." 

Security is no different. Security is not elaborate rhetoric or political slogans. It is the practice that emanates from the honest sweat and dedication of leaders.

I ask the leaders of South Korea: Are you truly prepared to rush to the front lines first when the nation faces a crisis? Do you have the right to confidently tell your children, "Sacrifice willingly for the country"? If not, then the security you speak of is merely a means to deceive the people.

National defense is not far away. When leaders fulfill their duties, share suffering with the people, and fulfill their social responsibilities with the spirit of generosity (Bohisattva's generosity), this land will become a true Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Love for the Nation is the Heart of Buddha

Spiritual practice is not confined to the meditation halls of mountain temples. The dedication of young men defending the nation in various regions is spiritual practice, and the exemplary leadership of those who guide them is the most profound act of compassion.

As I believe, "Faith is not believing, but practicing," the leaders of South Korea must now stop empty patriotism and prove their loyalty through action.

No lotus can bloom on land where security has collapsed. There can be no Buddha without a nation, and no spiritual practice without peace.

When we all unite with the conviction that "I am a Bodhisattva protecting the nation," South Korea will be reborn as a brilliant Pure Land, unshaken by any storm.

All Buddhists and citizens must observe the backs (sacrifices) of their leaders rather than their words. Just as faith without practice is futile, leadership without sacrifice is a shortcut to national ruin, which must never be forgotten.

◆ Monk Eungcheon

Chief Abbot of the Korean Buddhist Order of National Defense 

First Commander of the National Defense Monk Corps