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Buddhists rallied against what they say is the Protestant-dominated government¡¯s religious bias at Seoul Plaza in front of the Seoul City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Police presumed that about 60,000 monks and laypeople from temples across the country participated in the rally organized by the Korea Council of Buddhist Orders and an organizing committee consisting of 27 Buddhist orders and organizations. Organizers estimated the number of protesters at 210,000.
The rally began with the beating of a large drum on a large platform, followed by a worship before the image of Buddha and the recitation of Banyashimgyeong (Prajna-paramita Sutra).
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Buddhists monks march toward the Jogye Temple after holding a rally against the government¡¯s religious bias at Seoul Plaza in front of the Seoul City Hall on Wednesday. /Yonhap
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In a resolution, the organizers said, "A series of expressions of religious bias by public servants in the administration and President Lee Myung-bak¡¯s tacit tolerance of such practices have undermined national harmony and the Constitution, which stipulates the prevention of religious discrimination and the separation of government and religion."
They made a four-point request to Lee -- an open apology and promise to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, dismissal and punishment of public servants including the police commissioner who allegedly discriminated against Buddhist leaders, legislation on the prevention of religious bias, and immunity for protesters wanted for having organized candlelight vigils against U.S. beef imports.
After the rally, about 20,000 rally participants marched via Taepyeongno Street and Sejongno Intersection to the Jogye Temple, carrying hundreds of banners including ones reading "The Republic of Korea will collapse if public servants continue religious bias!" and chanting "Shakyamuni Buddha!" Police stopped traffic on nearby roads while protesters were marching.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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