8th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women

Seoul, Korea
Confernce: June 27 to July 2, 2004
Temple Tour: July 3 to 5

"Discipline and Practice of Buddhist Women:
Present and Past"

Korea, known as the "Land of Morning Calm," is the venue of the 8th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women. Everyone is welcome to attend the conference: lay or ordained, and neither lay nor ordained, of all nationalities and religious backgrounds. In addition to discussions and meditation, they can enjoy the beautiful mountains and forests of Korea.

South Korea is proud of its rich Buddhist cultural history. Seoul, with many temples, monuments, and an ancient Buddhist history of its own, provides a magnificant setting for this gathering of international scholars and practitioners of the world's Buddhist traditions. The word "Seoul" comes from the word "Sravasti," the Indian town where the Buddha spent 25 rainy season retreats.


A GLIMPSE OF KOREA'S BUDDHIST CULTURAL HISTORY

Two thousand years of Buddhist culture has been preserved and is still widely practiced in the Republic of Korea today. An estimated 2000 historic Buddhist temples and monuments are testimony to the living presence of the Buddha's teachings. Koreans generally follow the Mahyana tradition, making vows to attain enlightenment to liberate all beings from suffering. Lay Buddhist generally marry and have families. They may join any temple they like and may take the five lay precepts. Buddhists may also decide to renounce household life and train as a monk or nun. Many lay and ordained Buddhist take bodhisattva precepts, eat vegetarian food, and emphasize the practice of the six perfections generosity, ethics, patience, perseverence, concentration and wisdom. Today 18 sects of Buddhism thrive in Korea.

Buddhism was introduced to Korea from China around 372 C.E. Because Buddhism was perceived to be compatible with indigenous shamanistic beliefs, it was quickly adopted. Gradualy Buddhism developed to a position of cultural dominance during the Shilla Period (668-935 C.E.). Emphasis during this period was the law of cause and effect, and the interrelatedness of all things.

The Koryo Period (935-1392) is noted for an emphasis on ritual practices. The Korean Tripitaka was carved onto wood blocks which are preserved to the present day in Haein-sa Temple. The practice of meditation (Chinese: Chan, Japanese: Zen, Korean: Son) and the tradition of textual study gave Buddhism new vitality. During both the Shilla and Koryo Periods, Buddhism enjoyed the patronage of the royal court.

During the Choson Period (1392-1910) was a time of decline for Buddhism. The new rulers favored Neo-Confucianism and adopted it as the state religion. Buddhism was severely restricted and periodically persecuted for five centuries. Temples could only be built in mountain areas and monks were prohibited from entering the capital city.

From 1920-1945, Korea was annexed by Japan. The Japanese colonial administration supported Buddhism, but promoted the Japanese sects with a married priesthood, and monks were encouraged to abandon their vows of celibacy. After the Japanese occupation ended, the indigenous Korean forms of Buddhism and the ideal of celibacy were reestablished.

Currently Buddhism is flourishing in Korea. Many new temples are being constructed and many ancient temples are being restored. Buddhists are actively engaged in society, organizing education programs, meditation classes, social welfare projects, and Buddhist cultural events. In Korea, the numbers of nuns and monks are roughly equal. After five or six years of training as novices, they are eligible to receive full ordination as bhiksunis and bhiksus. Monasteries for nuns and monks are strictly separate and function independently. Buddhist colleges and institutes provide equal education opportunities for both nuns and monks. This year a nun was selected to head the Department of Cultural Affairs of the Chogye order -- a historical first.


SAKYADHITA: GLOBAL COALITION OF BUDDHIST WOMEN

Since 1987, Sakyadhita: International Association of Buddhist Women has been working to benefit Buddhist women around the world. Established at the conclusion of the 1st Sakyadhita Conference in Bodhgaya, India, in 1987, the organization has 1900 members and friends in 45 countries around the world. Every two years an international conference is held to bring laywomen and nuns from different countries and traditions together to share their experiences on issues of mutual interest and encourage projects to improve conditions for Buddhist women, especially in developing countries.

Working at the grassroots level, Sakyadhita provides a communications network among Buddhist women internationally.The organization promotes research and publications on Buddhist women's history and other topics of interest. It supports Buddhist women's initiatives to create education projects, retreat facilities, training center, women's shelters, and local conferences and discussion groups. Members strive to create equal opportunites for women in all Buddhist traditions.