Most Ven. Jinwoo was initiated into the monastic sangha by the renowned scholar-monk Master Baekun. He received sramanera (novice monk) ordination in 1978 from Ven. Gwaneung and full precepts from Ven. Cheongha in 1998. He immersed himself in intense Seon meditation practice by joining the retreats at Cheongryang Seon Center at Sangwon-sa Temple in Mt. Odae and Mongseong Seon Center at Yongheung-sa Temple in Damyang. He was the abbot for Sinheung-sa Temple in Wando, Yongheung-sa Temple, and Baekyang-sa Temple of Gobul Lineage in Jangseong.
Before being elected as the 37th president of the Jogye Order and sworn in on Sep. 28, 2022, he served as a member of the Appeal’s Tribunals, acting president, CEO of the Buddhist Daily, and the 8th head of the Education Bureau.
He has been devoting every moment of his life to Buddhist practice, firmly believing that “Buddhism exists to teach people how to rest in the original state of mind that is infinitely spacious and calm, no matter what condition they encounter in life.” Starting each day with 108 bows at dawn, Most Ven. Jinwoo maintains an open online communication channel with the public, imparting wisdom as clear and sweet as dewdrops to teach people how to overcome fear and achieve freedom in life.
This event is supported by the Council on East Asian Studies and Glorisun Global Network for Buddhist Studies.