The Second Century of Won-Buddhism and the Education of Ministers-in-training

ABSTRACT

The study anticipates the major changes of the future educational environment and makes important suggestions for the direction of the education of ministers-in-training, who will open the Second Century of Won-Buddhism. In terms of the development of human history, this era can be defined as the Post-Information Society. It is a time characterized by great change in population and in family structure, the use of single currency, English as the most common language, artificial intelligence and non-religious attitudes. The Second Century of Won-Buddhism calls for two types of kyomu, or Won-Buddhist ministers; to be both experts of edification and specialists of Won-Buddhist Studies. Educational organizations for Ministers-in-training of Won-Buddhism will bear the burden of the following tasks; improvement of teaching methods, finding capable candidates even with the decrease in the number of Won-Buddhist minister applicants, utilization of vacant and underused school facilities and the expansion of school’s functions. I suggest crucial directions for the education of ministers-in-training. First, the leaders of educational institutions and the professional educators need specialty, continuity and responsibility as a precondition. Second, it is urgent to reinforce the basic education and to insure the substantiality of the general education for ministers-in-training. Third, the Education system must be an amalgamation of Won-Buddhist studies curriculum and Religious Vow-centered curriculum. Fourth, cultivating specialists of Won-Buddhist studies must be considered with great care. Fifth, The decrease of the number of Won-Buddhist minister applicants must be overcome with a person-finding program that is compatible with the changing times.