A peek into a monkās life
When I was in college I remembered that our Philosophy professor asked us to watch Samsara (2001), a film about a Buddhist monk and his quest for enlightenment. After watching that film, I became interested in Buddhism. I wonder how it feels to live a monastic lifestyle even if it is just for a day or two. To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to sign-up for a temple stay program, a unique way for foreigners to learn and experience Korean Buddhism.
I chose Beopjusa Temple in Boeun, North Chungcheong Province, which is a 3 hour and 30 minute-bus ride away from Seoul. From the Songnisan Intercity Bus Terminal, I had to walk around 20 minutes to get to the temple because itās within the Songnisan National Park.Ā
Upon arriving at the temple, Mr. Kim Wan-Sik (Daniel) greeted us and gave the temple uniforms that we will use during our stay. He also provided information about the 2D1N temple stay program and the dos and don'ts in the temple.Ā
We kicked off the program with a tour around the temple led by a monk. He discussed the history and infrastructures found in Beopjusa. He explained everything in Korean, and Mr. Kim (the gentleman in the middle wearing a blue vest) translated in English.Ā
Beopjusa was founded during the Shilla Dynasty, and it is one of Korea's oldest temples with a history dating back 1,500 years. Each main gate is guided by four gods (North, East, West, South).
(Below) The giant golden Maitreya Buddha statue inĀ Abhaya MudraĀ hand gesture, which signifies protection, peace, and fearlessness
(Below) At the basement chamber of the golden Buddha statue, youāll see these jade Buddha figurines and theĀ contemplative sitting statue of Maitreya Buddha.
(Below) Palsangjeon: The only remaining five-story wooden pagoda in South Korea. Inside are the Hall of Eight Snapshots of Buddhaās Life wall paintings.
(Below) Evening ceremony and chanting (Yebul)
After the evening chant and dinner, we went to Gyehyang to make lotus flower lanterns. The monk said that it was a common practice to offer food, flowers, or burn incense and light a lantern for Buddha. Long time ago, there was a woman named Nanda. She wanted to pay homage to Buddha but she was poor that she could not afford to buy an offering. So, she cut a portion of her hair and sold it. She used the money to buy oil to lit up a lantern. That night, a strong wind blew that caused all lanterns to die out except Nanda's. Hers was even brightly shining which signified her sincerity and great devotion.
You can check out the whole story here.Ā
We started our day at dawn to participate in the morning ceremony and chanting (yebul).Ā
After the yebul, we went straight to Seonbuljang hall to do the 108 prostrations. Yes, 108 full bows. Why 108? It is considered a sacred number. It also represents 108 agonies, and with each prostration, you let go of one suffering.
Prostration is a way of expressing penance and humility. With each full bow, you humble yourself, admit your mistakes, and let go of your ego. I thought that I could not complete it, but surprisingly, I did. It's a mixture of physical exercise and meditation. After successfully doing it, I felt relieved and somehow relaxed.
Click here to watch the English version of 108 prayers.
Temple stay Food Etiquette: Strictly no meat and practice silence (ė¬µģø) while eating.Ā
Mr. Kim told us that the monks do not receive a salary. They only take donations. Also, the temple food is donated by the locals. That's why it is important to just take what you can eat.Ā
After breakfast, we went hiking and reached Sujeongbong Peak within 30-40 minutes.
You can see the whole temple and the lake from the peak.Ā
After our hike, we proceeded with the tea ceremony with the monk. Itās the time when we can freely ask the monk while he served us tea. I took my chance and asked,Ā āWhatās the most challenging part for you in becoming a monk?āĀ
He said that leaving his parents to pursue a monk life was the hardest for him. He was worried about the health and welfare of his parents if he will leave. But then, he laughingly said that his parents were even happier and healthier even without him by their side.Ā
We didnāt waste any time, so we put our hats on and stroll along King Sejo Road.
Just look at this view, so peaceful and serene~
Weāre also lucky to spot two turtles just hanging out in the lake!
After our stroll, we packed our bags and checked-out. I decided to wrap up my temple stay with a visit to a nearby traditional tea house. Aside from coffee and tea, they also sell temple souvenirs here.Ā
I grew up in a Catholic family, and attended private Catholic schools from elementary until college. Most of my friends have the same faith as mine. It's not surprising because more than 80% of Filipinos practice Catholicism. Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, etc. are minor religions in our country.Ā
Since I started living in South Korea, I've met people with various religious and non-religious upbringing. Talking with them and discussing our beliefs widens my perspective and makes me more aware of different practices.Ā
Without a doubt, I got a peek of the monastic lifestyle through this program. Though brief, I gained an understanding and learned about the Korean Buddhism and appreciate its practices. Among the activities that we did, what I liked the most was the tea time with the monk because we got to hear his stories and talked about ours too.Ā
Thereās no right or wrong spiritual belief; whatās important is that we respect each otherās beliefs and celebrate our differences.Ā
If you want to participate in the same program, you can easily book online through these sites:Ā
You may also directly contact Manager Kim Wan-Sik (Daniel) for inquiries.Ā
405, Beopjusa-ro, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of KoreaĀ
ģ¶©ė¶ ė³“ģźµ° ģė¦¬ģ°ė©“ ė²ģ£¼ģ¬ė” 405 ķ
ķģ¤ķ
ģ“
I took a bus from Dongseoul Bus Terminal Station (Gangbyeon Station, Line 2). The bus fare is KRW 18,800 and travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.Ā
Check the bus timetable here:Ā
Seoul (Dongseoul Bus Terminal) to Boeun (Sokrisan Terminal)
Boeun (Sokrisan Terminal)Ā to Seoul (Dongseoul Bus Terminal)
discoholicmusic
jbbartram-illu
dailybridgerton
gummygunk
izzy806
dededos
stormborns
kaledo-art
origamiaround