My very dear, kind and devoted one,
So-jong is part of the practice. It is not a custom, it is a practice. The existence of the Buddha’s teachings depends on whether the Vinaya teachings exist or not, therefore Sangha need to do the practice of so-jong.

If there is a community of monks, then so-jong practice needs to be done. This is very important because it defines whether the Buddha’s teachings exist or not, and it’s importance for the teachings to exist in the country and also in the world.

Also so-jong is to bring the Sangha together, hence it is their practice. This is what they need to practice so-jong; it isn’t just a custom.

My greetings to you all. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very, very much from my heart for serving sentient beings through the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Thank you very much for all your service...