A central element of Korean Buddhist culture, Yeongsanjae is a re-enactment of the Lotus Sutra being delivered by Buddha on Vulture Peak in India. Taking place annually on June 6, the ceremony is primarily preserved and carried out by the Taego Order. It includes tea ceremonies, prayers, purification rites, offerings to Buddha, and rites for the dead. Through practice, people can develop self-discipline and develop philosophical and spiritual messages of Buddhism. It is regarded as one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea.
Yunsanjae is one form of Buddhist rite, conducted to pray for the deceased so they may rest in peace and be free from suffering. A person's soul is believed to reach heaven on the 49th day after their death, which is why it is practiced on the 49th day after their death. Originally, Yeongsanjae was performed for over three days. Now it is only performed for one day. Among the many forms of 49th-day rituals, Yeongsanjae has been described as being the largest.
Yeongsanjae begins with a ritual reception, in which the gods of heaven and earth are greeted. To conclude the ceremony, the otherworldly realm of Buddha is represented by a farewell ceremony. The ceremony includes singing, adornment, and various ritual dances, such as the cymbal dance, drum dance, and ceremonial robe dance. The other components of the Yeongsanjae festival include ritual cleansings, tea ceremonies, offerings of rice to Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and a meal for the dead to congratulate them on entering heaven. There are many types of dances and songs that are practiced during Yeongsanjae, such as Barachum, Beopgochum, and Nabichum. Each dance has its meaning and purpose for the festival, and they are all performed separately. During the Yeongsanjae ceremony, traditional Korean instruments are also played. These include traditional Korean drums, haegeum (string instruments), and geomungo (instrument with six strings). In this ceremony, a special song called Beompae is also performed.
By performing a Yeongsanjae, all beings and spirits are allowed to enter into the world of truth, by worshipping the Buddha, the Buddhist law, and the monks. This is a ritual that is performed by Korean Buddhists to represent the world of the Buddha here and now. This ritual is based upon the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra, and it can also be used as a meditation tool and training tool. The Yeongsanjae, held in temples throughout the Republic of Korea, is an important ceremonial practice, maintained by the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism and based in Seoul. It is an effective means of transmitting Buddhist values and arts, as well as meditation, training, and enlightenment.
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