About 70,000 people from around the world, including South Asia, are expected to attend an Expo in Seoul, S.Korea, that will showcase the global industry born out of Buddhism.
The 2019 Seoul International Buddhism Expo (BEXPO) will be held at the Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention (SETEC) from November 14th to 17th.
The event will feature conferences and speakers led by internationally renowned Buddhism experts, 417 booths and 327 exhibitors. Participants and visitors will come from Canada, USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar among other nations.
“We expect our Expo to be a chance for the Buddhist industry to grow and communicate with the public, allowing more people to feel the essence of traditional Buddhist industry and culture,” said Wonhaeng, Chairman of 2019 Seoul International Buddhism Expo and the Executive Chief of Korean Buddhist Jogye Order. Hong Seung-do, Secretary General of the Expo. said the Expo provides a fertile ground for the exchange and development of the global Buddhist industry.
Mindfulness practice and training, which has its origins in Buddhist meditation teachings, is now part of a global wellness industry worth trillions of dollars. This include over 1,300 downloadable apps, books and online courses.
Other than traditional Buddhism craft products, tea, arts, décor and sculpture, the Expo will also feature Temple Food, which will be staged this year by Hyang Jeok Won – Bulguksa (temple), Gyeongju, Korea, Table in Nature – Tongdosa (temple), Yangsan, Korea and Mananim Recipe of Seoul. Temple food refers to the cuisine of Buddhist monks and nuns and is considered as one of the ways to exercise the teachings of Buddha.
According to the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, Temple Food includes the growing of ingredients to cooking and eating, as Buddhists hold reverence for all living things and embrace a harmony with nature. They do not use meat, fish or any artificial flavor enhancers. Five pungent herbs called oshinchae - green onion, garlic, leek, chive, and wild chive - are not allowed in the creation of Temple Food. Practitioners use only seasonal vegetables and soybean paste or soy sauce made by themselves at temples. For more information, please visit the website (bexpo.kr).