Shogyoji's
nascent relations with Korea, the great country that first introduced Buddhism
to Japan, have been initiated by Venerable Chimyo Takehara's relationship with
Venerable Gomei Kamata, Head Priest of Kyoganji Temple in Toyama Prefecture.
Parties of followers in particular from Gu Ryong-sa Temple and Mangwueol-sa
Temple and groups from Shogyoji have visited one another in turn in accordance
with the express wishes of the Venerable Gomei Kamata. For one special occasion,
for instance, Shogyoji followers went to Korea expressly to dedicate their Gagaku
performance to the Buddha and subsequently invited a Korean Buddhist choir to
visit Shogyoji in Japan. There has also been an exchange of overseas priests.
Both the Head Priest of Gu Ryong-sa Temple and the Head Nun of Mangwueol-sa
Temple were delighted to encounter the Shogyoji Samgha. Thus Shogyoji has steadily
been playing its part in the important task of bringing about international
spiritual exchange in the modern world.