The bhiksuni order – the lineage of fully-ordained Buddhist nuns – has faced challenges over the centuries, with many Buddhist communities witnessing its decline since the time of the Buddha. Korea, however, stands out as one of the few nations that has managed to preserve the lineage of fully ordained monastic women. Today, the Korean bhiksuni order thrives as one of the most vibrant communities of female monastics in the world.
One prominent example of this rich tradition is Bulpil Sunim, one of the foremost teachers of Seon (Chan, Zen) in Korea. Her autobiography, From Eternity to Eternity: Memoirs of a Korean Buddhist Nun, offers a deeply personal and historically insightful glimpse into the life of a modern-day bhiksuni. Originally published in 2012, this memoir quickly became a top-twenty seller in Korea. Now, thanks to Eunsu Cho’s English translation, new audiences can learn about Bulpil’s journey, and about the lives of Korean nuns more generally.
The memoir follows Bulpil’s life from childhood, set against the backdrop of World War II and the Korean War, to her entrance into various monasteries and her subsequent spiritual journey. Beyond recounting the author’s own experiences, the book paints a vivid picture of Buddhism’s evolution in 20th-century Korea and offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Korean Buddhist nuns.
Central to the narrative is Bulpil’s relationship with her father and teacher, the late monk Seongcheol Sunim. He remains an important figure in modern Korean Buddhism who is credited with reforming the tradition after World War II. His influence shaped not only Korean Buddhism, but also Bulpil’s own spiritual path. Equally important is her mentor Inhong Sunim, a woman whose exacting standards set the tone for Korean nuns’ practice in the 1960s and 70s.
This book’s personal reflections and detailed descriptions invite readers into the world of Korean Buddhist monastic women. More than just a memoir, From Eternity to Eternity is a window into a rich Buddhist tradition.