By Kim Hyelin and Hahm Hee-eun

The World Buddhism Bhikkhuni Association held a meeting in support of the peaceful reunification of the two Koreas, at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul on April 12.

Buddhist nuns, or bhikkhunis, from 12 countries participated in the general assembly.

The general assembly is the first official event held by the World Buddhism Bhikkhuni Association since its inauguration in 2016. More than 400 Buddhist monks from 12 countries, including Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, the U.K. and the U.S., attended the meeting. Senior Ven. Do-moon and general secretary Ven. Seol-jeong of the Jogye Order, chief of the National Bhikkhuni Association Ven. Yook-moon, vice chairman Ven. Hong-ahn, head of the Korean office Ven. Hwa-jeong of the World Buddhism Bhikkhuni Association and many others participated in the meeting.

The event started with a prayer for peace on the Korean Peninsula with about 100 Taiwanese bhikkhunis carrying small lotus lanterns onto the stage. It was followed by an awards ceremony for a Buddhist sermon essay competition, and a choir performance by bhikkhunis from Myeongbeobsa Temple in Korea.

Ven. Hwa-jeong, the head of the Korean office of the World Buddhism Bhikkhuni Association, said in the opening speech that, "Through the years of separation, the two Koreas have matured enough. I believe that unification would lead to Korea becoming one of the strongest nations in the world."

Senior Ven. Do-moon of the Jogye Order said, “The minds of the Buddha and mankind are not separated from each other. Likewise, the two Koreas can cooperate on achieving world peace through compassion and caring."

Ven. Seol-jeong also said, “We have organized this general meeting to pray with one unified heart for peace on the Korean Peninsula. I hope that we can recall the meaning of harmony, peace and solidarity in the minds of all mankind.”

The bhikkhunis will visit Panmunjeom and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and major Buddhist temples all over Korea, over the next five days to pray for unification for the two Koreas.


kimhyelin211@korea.kr