On Tuesday, Buddhist monks from the Jogye Order will perform a ritual prostration, known as ochetoji (五體投地), starting from Jogyesa Temple and continuing to the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun, advocating for peace in Iran. Ochetoji is a practice where five parts of the body—the forehead, two elbows, and two knees—touch the ground in a deep bow.
The event will include participants from various Buddhist organizations, including the Practicing Buddhism Monastic Association, the Social Labor Committee of the Jogye Order, the Yadanbeopseok Monastic Association, and the Direct Election Movement Headquarters.
The Practicing Buddhism Monastic Association has criticized the U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, stating that it has plunged the Middle East into another conflict. They argue that the Donald Trump administration has misrepresented this aggression as a mission for Iran’s denuclearization and democratization.
The group emphasized the devastating impact of war on civilian lives, pointing to the destruction of schools and hospitals as evidence of war’s brutality.
They firmly stated their opposition to any further escalation, declaring that it does not condone aggressive wars. Alliances should only serve the purpose of maintaining peace.
