Venerable Cheongdam and Doseonsa Temple


“The mind, mind, mind… Ah, the mind is … truly amazing!”

“Born in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province in 1902, Venerable Cheongdam was fond of reading and thinking from an early age. He was also a righteous boy, participating in the March First Independence Movement. In 1924, the Venerable began his novice training in Songunsa Temple in Japan. Afterwards, he went on to practice in Bongjeongam Hermitage on Seorak Mountain.”

“Venerable Cheongdam, all the other monks have left for Baekdamsa Temple. Oh, dear! What shall we do? Such heavy snow…”

“Actually, it is rather fortunate that I can have more opportunity to focus on studying! There is no time or space in this mind, in this life form!”

“Taking a leading role in the movement of Buddhist purification for Koreans as a practitioner in action, Venerable Cheongdam was a pioneer who took initiatives in anti-Japanese Buddhism by hosting the Chosun National Conference for Buddhist Students.”

“While I hold this position, I will work toward cultivating five million Buddhists! Only the true ‘I,’ that is, my true self, can be the driving force behind overcoming all of the obstacles we face today!!”

“After being appointed as the abbot of Doseonsa Temple in 1961, he took an active role in disseminating the Buddha-dharma and teaching true Buddhism. He entered into nirvana on November 15, 1971.”

“Through true recognition of the body, mind and self, all of life's problems will be solved!”