Within Won Buddhism, the clergy, often called kyomu, stand as modern spiritual leaders whose vocation centers on guiding practitioners in a path that unites contemplative depth with everyday responsibility. Their primary task is to offer spiritual teaching and guidance: they interpret Won Buddhist doctrine, especially the Il-Won-Sang (One Circle) teaching, and lead Dharma talks, meditation sessions, and moral education. This instruction is not abstract; it is consistently oriented toward the practical application of Buddhist principles in work, family life, and social relationships. In this way, the clergy embody a vision of the Dharma that is meant to be lived in the midst of ordinary circumstances rather than apart from them.

Alongside teaching, Won Buddhist clergy carry out a wide range of ritual and ceremonial duties that structure the religious life of the community. They conduct regular services, meditation gatherings, and chanting, as well as life‑cycle ceremonies such as marriages, funerals, memorial rites for ancestors, and other blessing rituals. These observances are shaped by Won Buddhism’s modernized approach, yet they retain the traditional function of marking transitions, expressing gratitude, and cultivating reverence. Through these rituals, the clergy help practitioners relate the symbol of Il-Won-Sang and the broader teachings to the concrete joys and sorrows of human life.

The role of the clergy also extends into community leadership and pastoral care. They oversee and administer local temples and centers, organize educational programs, and foster a sense of shared purpose among lay practitioners. In their pastoral role, they offer counseling and support to individuals and families facing personal or ethical challenges, serving as moral and spiritual companions. This lay‑oriented ministry reflects the conviction that enlightenment is accessible within ordinary life, and that the religious community exists to support that realization in a tangible, relational way.

Finally, Won Buddhist clergy are deeply engaged with the wider society through social service and public responsibility. They organize and participate in social welfare, educational initiatives, and activities that promote peace, justice, and environmental awareness, reflecting the tradition’s emphasis on benefiting society. In doing so, they function not only as teachers and ritual specialists, but also as community organizers and moral exemplars, modeling ethical living and simplicity. Their lives illustrate a distinctive synthesis: the contemplative heart of Buddhism expressed through active service, leadership, and guidance in the midst of the modern world.