About the book
From Eternity to Eternity is the story of Bulpil Sunim, arguably the most respected female Seon (Zen) master in Korea. Written with candor and an unpretentious sense of humor, her memoir provides both a fascinating record of her life and a deeply accessible window into Buddhist thought and spirituality. Describing and reflecting on her own experience of meditation and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated religious practice, she reveals the largely unknown realities of female monastic life in Korea. She also provides an unprecedented glimpse into her relationship with her father, the legendary Seon Master Seongcheol Sunim, who was widely considered a living Buddha in Korea. This lyrical autobiography, the first of its kind in Korean Buddhist literature, offers readers a chance to learn about Korean Seon meditation and practice from a woman’s perspective and will be of interest not only to scholars of Buddhism but to general readers curious about Buddhism, the experiences of religious women, or simply the remarkable life of a great spiritual leader.
\"From Eternity to Eternity unveils the life and teachings of a female Seon master in this expertly translated work, shedding light on the dynamic Korean female monastic community. It illuminates profound insights into the importance of family relationships for spiritual growth and awakening, resonating with the journey of the historical Buddha. An enriching read for all seekers of spiritual wisdom and for academics interested in monasticism, meditation, and Korean Buddhism.\" — Hwansoo Ilmee Kim, author of The Korean Buddhist Empire: A Transnational History, 1910–1945
\"From Eternity to Eternity, the extraordinary memoir of Bulpil Sunim, explores the world of Korean Buddhism through the eyes of some of the most exceptional figures of the modern day. What is extraordinary about her memoir is its candid, intimate approach to a tradition often imagined to be inscrutable, beyond the comprehension of outsiders. By bringing the tradition to life through the eyes of the main actors of the Korean Seon revival, Bulpil Sunim reveals her personal history and her experience of a transformative practice lineage in an iconoclastic, often amusing way. Recounted here, in a refreshingly modern tone, are events that both illuminate and devastate—many evoking tears. Both the author and the translator deserve high marks for sharing this amazing, deeply inspiring story.\" — Karma Lekshe Tsomo, author of Into the Jaws of Yama, Lord of Death
Editions of From Eternity to Eternity
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9798855800425
- Paperback
- ISBN 9798855800418
- PDF
- ISBN 9798855800432
Read an Excerpt
From Eternity to Eternity is the story of Bulpil Sunim, arguably the most respected female Seon (Zen) master in Korea. Written with candor and an unpretentious sense of humor, her memoir provides both a fascinating record of her life and a deeply accessible window into Buddhist thought and spirituality. Describing and reflecting on her own experience of meditation and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated religious practice, she reveals the largely unknown realities of female monastic life in Korea. She also provides an unprecedented glimpse into her relationship with her father, the legendary Seon Master Seongcheol Sunim, who was widely considered a living Buddha in Korea. This lyrical autobiography, the first of its kind in Korean Buddhist literature, offers readers a chance to learn about Korean Seon meditation and practice from a woman’s perspective and will be of interest not only to scholars of Buddhism but to general readers curious about Buddhism, the experiences of religious women, or simply the remarkable life of a great spiritual leader.
\"From Eternity to Eternity unveils the life and teachings of a female Seon master in this expertly translated work, shedding light on the dynamic Korean female monastic community. It illuminates profound insights into the importance of family relationships for spiritual growth and awakening, resonating with the journey of the historical Buddha. An enriching read for all seekers of spiritual wisdom and for academics interested in monasticism, meditation, and Korean Buddhism.\" — Hwansoo Ilmee Kim, author of The Korean Buddhist Empire: A Transnational History, 1910–1945
\"From Eternity to Eternity, the extraordinary memoir of Bulpil Sunim, explores the world of Korean Buddhism through the eyes of some of the most exceptional figures of the modern day. What is extraordinary about her memoir is its candid, intimate approach to a tradition often imagined to be inscrutable, beyond the comprehension of outsiders. By bringing the tradition to life through the eyes of the main actors of the Korean Seon revival, Bulpil Sunim reveals her personal history and her experience of a transformative practice lineage in an iconoclastic, often amusing way. Recounted here, in a refreshingly modern tone, are events that both illuminate and devastate—many evoking tears. Both the author and the translator deserve high marks for sharing this amazing, deeply inspiring story.\" — Karma Lekshe Tsomo, author of Into the Jaws of Yama, Lord of Death
Frequently Asked Questions
What is From Eternity to Eternity about?
From Eternity to Eternity is the story of Bulpil Sunim, arguably the most respected female Seon (Zen) master in Korea. Written with candor and an unpretentious sense of humor, her memoir provides both a fascinating record of her life and a deeply accessible window into Buddhist thought and spirituality. Describing and reflecting on her own experience of meditation and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated religious practice, she reveals the largely unknown realities of female monastic life in Korea. She also provides an unprecedented glimpse into her relationship with her father, the legendary Seon Master Seongcheol Sunim, who was widely considered a living Buddha in Korea. This lyrical autobiography, the first of its kind in Korean Buddhist literature, offers readers a chance to learn about Korean Seon meditation and practice from a woman’s perspective and will be of interest not only to scholars of Buddhism but to general readers curious about Buddhism, the experiences of religious women, or simply the remarkable life of a great spiritual leader.
\"From Eternity to Eternity unveils the life and teachings of a female Seon master in this expertly translated work, shedding light on the dynamic Korean female monastic community. It illuminates profound insights into the importance of family relationships for spiritual growth and awakening, resonating with the journey of the historical Buddha. An enriching read for all seekers of spiritual wisdom and for academics interested in monasticism, meditation, and Korean Buddhism.\" — Hwansoo Ilmee Kim, author of The Korean Buddhist Empire: A Transnational History, 1910–1945
\"From Eternity to Eternity, the extraordinary memoir of Bulpil Sunim, explores the world of Korean Buddhism through the eyes of some of the most exceptional figures of the modern day. What is extraordinary about her memoir is its candid, intimate approach to a tradition often imagined to be inscrutable, beyond the comprehension of outsiders. By bringing the tradition to life through the eyes of the main actors of the Korean Seon revival, Bulpil Sunim reveals her personal history and her experience of a transformative practice lineage in an iconoclastic, often amusing way. Recounted here, in a refreshingly modern tone, are events that both illuminate and devastate—many evoking tears. Both the author and the translator deserve high marks for sharing this amazing, deeply inspiring story.\" — Karma Lekshe Tsomo, author of Into the Jaws of Yama, Lord of Death
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in From Eternity to Eternity?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism
Where can I read a sample of From Eternity to Eternity?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9798855800425
How long is From Eternity to Eternity and how many pages does it have?
From Eternity to Eternity has 224 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book From Eternity to Eternity?
Bulpil Sunim
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
From Eternity to Eternity is available as hardcover(ISBN 9798855800425) and paperback(ISBN 9798855800418) and pdf(ISBN 9798855800432)
Where can I buy From Eternity to Eternity online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy From Eternity to Eternity?