Buddhist Monk Who Led Organ-Donation Movement Celebrates New Life After Liver Transplant
Creatrip Team
20 days ago
Ilmyeon, a 79-year-old Buddhist monk and chair of the Life Sharing Practice Foundation (Saengmyeongnan), marked his 80th birthday by publishing a memoir, Life Sharing, Ilmyeon. Diagnosed with cirrhosis in 1982 and told he had only months to live after three failed transplant attempts, Ilmyeon survived a 22-hour liver transplant on January 8, 2000. He credits his long life to the donor’s gift and has led a prominent Buddhist organ-donation campaign since 2005, continuing work begun by his predecessor. Born in Gyeongju in 1947, Ilmyeon held many senior roles in the Jogye Order and says his most cherished work is promoting organ donation. He reflects on gratitude, humility (giving his life a “59 out of 60” score), and the duty to help others live longer through donation.
