Saturday, August 25, 2007

Temple Life Experience at Jogyesa, Seoul







One great benefit for being alone
is that you are on your own once you return
from office. Don't quite like being alone all the time, but well, getting time to contemplate is a big boon now.

Without the better half around, decided to apply for the temple
life experience at Jogyesa temple, Jong-gak, Seoul.
Since it happens on the last saturday of every month,
didnt want to miss this oppurtunity!

And having lost all experiences and willingness to meditate,
felt going here would be a good experience.

It began sharp at 10 am(something to say for the korean punctuality!)

A documentary introducing to the korean way of buddhism, followed
by a korean tea ceremony. It was a revelation to learn of the meditative
influences of making green tea.











A Sri Lankan monk had been invited to explain and give the 17 foreigners a brief experience of meditation! the sitting and walking meditations were wonderful.















I guess the most interesting part of the 4 hour programme was the temple
meal. It was quite a ceremony, learning the etiquettes and cleaning the bowls without a single morsel remaining!


Another thing I learnt was the buddhist way of bowing.


Looking forward to doing a temple stay soon.