The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has announced the debut of BTENS (pronounced “Beatens”), a new Buddhist musical group aimed at promoting Seon (Zen) meditation and Buddhist teachings through contemporary music and performance. The group is composed of 10 Buddhist monks and nuns and was inspired by the 10 great disciples of the Buddha according to the Mahayana tradition. They made their first public appearance at the 2024 Busan International Buddhist Expo, which opened on 8 August.

BTENS members includes the group’s leader, Ven. Gusan, who is also director of the Jogye Order’s Department of Buddhist Texts and Research, along with Ven. Gwangwoo, Ven. Gogeum, Ven.  Songsan, and Ven. Junhan, who each contribute their diverse talents. The members are skilled in various disciplines, including playing traditional instruments such as the flute and gayageum (a traditional Korean zither), as well as tai-chi, singing, and Buddhist drumming.

The group’s performance repertoire for the expo includes the songs “Look at Your Mind,” “Spring in My Hometown,” and “Song of Compassion” (unofficial translations). These performances are part of a broader strategy by the Jogye Order to engage younger audiences and make the Buddhist teachings more accessible through modern and culturally relevant mediums.

Ven. Gusan explained the group’s mission: “Our goal is to convey Seon meditation to the public in an easy and hip way through various genres.” (Korea Biz Wire) He emphasized that BTENS aimed to connect with young people in Korea and internationally using contemporary language and gestures to communicate Buddhist principles.

Following their debut at the Busan International Buddhist Expo, BTENS is scheduled to participate in several other events. These include a Seon Meditation Temple Stay at the Korean Culture Training Institute in Gongju on 24–25 August, the International Seon Meditation Conference at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul in September, and a Meeting with Korean Traditional Culture event in New York City in October.

The introduction of BTENS follows the rising popularity of New Jeans Nim, a comedian known for blending electronic dance music (EDM) with Buddhist chants. This fusion has resonated with younger audiences in Korea, prompting the Jogye Order to explore similar strategies for engaging with the public.

The Jogye Order’s decision to launch BTENS is part of a broader effort to modernize the presentation of Buddhist teachings and make them more relevant to contemporary society. By combining traditional Buddhist practices with modern performance art, the Jogye Order hopes to create a dynamic and engaging way to spread Buddhist practices and ideas.

BTENS’ upcoming performances and activities will be closely watched as they seek to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern culture, making the Buddhist teachings more accessible to new generations. Ven. Gusan noted: “We will visit every corner of Korea and abroad, where young people have concerns, communicating through contemporary language and gestures, creating a lively discourse.” (Korea Biz Wire)

“Korea topped the suicide rate among OECD countries. We pondered what we can do about this as religious people,” Ven. Gusan explained. “Even though you are not a Buddhist, you can relieve stress through meditation. That’s what we aim to promote.” (AJU Press)

South Korea has been experiencing significant demographic changes, with low birth rates and an aging population contributing to a shrinking youth demographic. This trend has had a direct impact on religious affiliation, with Buddhism facing a decline in numbers as younger generations increasingly move away from traditional religious practices. In response, Buddhist groups such as the Jogye Order are actively working to maintain and rejuvenate their following by adopting modern approaches, such as blending contemporary culture with Buddhist teachings, to appeal to younger audiences and ensure the continuity of their traditions.

See more

South Korean Buddhist Order Debuts ‘K-Pop Monks’ to Attract Younger Generation (The Korea Bizwire)
Monks make debut as K-pop group to spread Buddhism (AJU Press)
10 members are promoting “Beatens”.a Buddhist monk … (Maeil Business Newspaper)

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