Int'l Buddhist nuns gather in Seoul, pray for Korean peace

SEOUL, April 12 (Yonhap) -- Hundreds of Buddhist nuns from around the world held a meeting in Seoul Thursday and prayed for the peace on the Korean Peninsula. Some 400 members of the World Buddhism Bhikkuni Association from 12 countries participated in the association's inaugural general assembly at the Grand Hilton Hotel in northern Seoul. The international body for bhikkunis, a term for fully-ordained female Buddhist monastics, based in Taiwan, was formed in 2016. Ven. Hwajong, head of the association's South Korean branch, gave an opening speech, praying for the reunification of the two Koreas. "As much as we've been separated, South and North Korea have come a long way in maturing our relationship. I believe we can become a global powerhouse if we can be reunited," the Buddhist nun said. Ven. Seoljeong, head of the Jogye Order, South Korea's largest Buddhist group, thanked the attendees who visited South Korea. "We hope the general assembly can provide an opportunity for everyone around the world to ingrain in their hearts the meaning of harmony, peace and unification," he said. odissy@yna.co.kr (END)