Hyujeong

Hyujeong (휴정, 1520–1604), also known by his Dharma name Seosan (서산), was a prominent Korean Seon Buddhist monk during the Joseon Dynasty. He is revered for his crucial role in organizing and leading the Korean Buddhist monk army that fought against the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) from 1592 to 1598.

Hyujeong was born in Anju, Pyeongan Province. He entered the Buddhist priesthood at a young age and excelled in his studies of Buddhist scriptures and meditative practices. He became a leading figure in the Jogye Order, the dominant school of Korean Zen Buddhism.

His significance extends beyond his military leadership. Hyujeong was a prolific writer and influential teacher. His writings and teachings helped to revitalize Korean Buddhism, which had suffered from suppression under the Joseon Dynasty's neo-Confucian policies. He advocated for the unity of the Seon (Zen) and Gyo (doctrinal) schools of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of both meditation and scriptural study in attaining enlightenment.

After the war, Hyujeong retired to a hermitage where he continued to teach and write until his death. He remains a highly respected figure in Korean Buddhism, remembered for his scholarship, leadership, and dedication to the defense of his country. His students and descendants played a key role in preserving and propagating his teachings, ensuring his lasting legacy in Korean Buddhist history.