Global Citizenship in Korean New Religions: Focusing on Won Buddhism

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE This study aims to examine global citizenship in Won Buddhism.CONTENTS To accomplish this, the paper investigates the origins of global citizenship by focusing on early Won Buddhist thought. First, as a feature of Won Buddhist thought, the study examines the simple doctrines and practical methods suggested by Sotaesan, the Founding Master of Won Buddhism, and identifies the doctrinal basis pertaining to global citizenship. This enables us to comprehend Won Buddhism’s global citizenship by examining the concepts of Public Spirit, The Public Spirited, Venerating the Public Spirited, and Selfless Service to the Public.RESULTS The study’s findings are as follows. First, the central keyword of Won Buddhism's thought, Public Spirit, can be viewed as the original intent of all the buddhas and sages, symbolizing the global citizenship of Won Buddhism. Second, in Won-Buddhism, those who realize the Public Spirit are The Public Spirited and can be recognized as global citizens. Third, Venerating the Public Spirited can be said to be the global citizenship education in Won Buddhism.