"It seems he stayed until the end to protect"… The burned Yeongyang County temple, abbot monk resigns

The abbot was found in a state of shock at a burned temple building in Yeongyang County, Gyeongbuk.

 

According to the Daehan Buddhism Beophwa Order, Venerable Jooji Seonsa (85) was found dead inside Beopseongsa Temple in Seokbo-myeon, Yeongyang County. The monk had been practicing and studying at this place even before becoming the abbot of Beopseongsa Temple in 2002. Beopseongsa is said to have been a symbol of this village.

 

The village chief, who grew up seeing monks since childhood, could not hide his sadness at losing a great elder of the village.

 

According to Yonhap News, Kim Jin-deuk, the head of Hwa Mae 1-ri, recalled, "He has been guarding the temple alone for a long time," and described him as "the very embodiment of Buddha." He also said, "He was always smiling and exceptionally kind," and "Whenever I had a difficult problem, I would consult him, but now I can't do that anymore, and it pains my heart."

 

Commissioner Kim reported that on the afternoon of the 25th, the wildfire spread rapidly and there was no way to evacuate the monks. He explained, "The sparks quickly crossed the mountain," and "within five minutes, the entire village was engulfed in flames." He also expressed regret, saying, "The temple is located deep in the mountains, so access was impossible, and firefighters couldn't get in either."

 

Resident A sighed and said, "I think he stayed until the end to protect the temple and then passed away," adding, "He was elderly and had difficulty moving."

 

Mr. A said, "The monk used to shelter those who lived alone or share food," and showed tears. He continued, "He was not someone who caused harm to others," and recalled, "After the temple events, we would gather the residents, talk, and have meals together."

 

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The abbot of Beopseongsa Temple has passed away...ㅠ.ㅠ

 

My heart truly hurts so much...