Temple Stay Photos

The first gate leading into 구인사 (Guinsa) Temple. This was probably the most level part of the one road that ran up through the narrow valley between too incredible steep ridges. 구인사 is built along this road with many stairs, bridges and steep ramps.

Yes, we stayed in that beautiful building. And yes, that is a leaf carved out of the roof wall.

The view up.

My name tag.

The view down.

Well I finally got a picture of the
traditional guest house I keep talking
about! Opposite is the traditional bed.

Our schedule. If you can't read it, download it and zoom in - it's that good...

Orientation consisted of a bit of Temple history, some rules and guidelines, and then we all introduced ourselves.
A family: the parents and their 16-year-old daughter who had just finished her exams who just wanted a weekend away.
First group of international students: 1 guy from the Czech Republic, 1 girl from Germany, 1 girl from Lithuania, 1 guy and 1 girl from Sweden, and 1 girl from the Netherlands; they were all there for the cultural experience.
Two couples: one of the males was an American, the other 3 were Korean; all there for the peaceful atmosphere and the cultural experience.
Second group of internationals: all 3 from America, all there for a class. I also had a myriad of other reasons for going, but that is slightly beside the point.
1 Korean 20-something by himself: Software developer at Kakao Talk (look it up) from Seoul, just there to get away.

Me, in my mandatory Temple Outfit, chilling with the Four Guardian Kings. you will find these in the gates of all Buddhist Temples. They look menacing, but that is because their role is to guard the Temple, and those inside, from the evils outside.

Continuing on with the tour: this is next to the main Dharma hall. On the bottom is the bell that calls all to the morning and evening services, on the top is the drum that symbolizes protection and life for all things living on the earth, a fish symbolizing life and protection to all living creatures in the water, and a cloud symbolizing protection and life for all creatures living in the air. (There are many places and objects of which I did not take photos as I was afraid it would seem irreverent or that I would seem flippant.)

The building at the top (left) was new, modern, and even fancy.
It even had an elevator.
(Above) The Dharma hall at the very top was exquisite.
Truly breathtaking.

(Above and right) The view down the mountain.
The reason you can barely see anything is because the roof
was in the way. Yes, it is that steep.

You have to admit he has nice abs.
And looks scary as all get-out!

I thought he looked a little bit like Posiodon.
But I guess that's the wrong religion.

Did I mention detailed in the extreme, graceful, meaningful, or beautiful?

This was outside the main Dharma hall
around dusk during our tour.
Candles over ice into which wax had dripped.

Later, back at the same time for the evening
ceremony, I tried to capture it again.
This time along with the lotus lantern I made.

The food was, well, it was pretty bad. But we were required to eat it all, so most of us did. And hey look, we survived!
This was dinner, breakfast looked about the same, only slightly less red pepper paste.

After dinner was free time or the optional 108 prostrations, which I decided to do. This was actually one of my favorite parts, and I don't regret it in the least! But my legs hate me right now. The prostrations included:
59 of repentance
20 of gratitude
19 of vowing
5 of prayers
and 5 more vows.

After the morning ceremony, my friends Ryan and I decided to use our free time (from 0430-0650) to climb to the very top of the mountain. It was too dark and foggy to see much - including the path - but it was beautiful, calm, and well worth the hike. This light is actually next to the highest Dharma hall, but this picture was taken in the morning, not on the tour.

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Walking meditation in the morning included a silent walk among the mountains surrounding the Temple. We were led along a trail of leaves and pine needles, past incredible views and silent, giant trees. It ended at the tomb of one of the Venerables (deceased Monks) which is actually a sopt that is off-limits to Temple visitors. We got (VERY) lucky.

***Excerpt from my journal***
"The only sounds were the birds, our foot steps, a crying deer, and fading in and out - the singing of the Monks. At the end of our walk we were privileged to experience one of the most stunningly beautiful sights I have ever seen. The sun had finally risen above the surrounding mountains and as it began to pierce the fog, it revealed row after row of fading blue mountains. The sunbeams silhouetted the dark green pine trees and warmed the grassy knoll on which we paused to meditate. As I sat with my eyes closed and my face lifted to the light, an overwhelming sense of calm and beauty flooded my mind and my entire being."
Obviously, this was the best part for me. 

Next was tea with the Monks. We had a chance to ask questions and listen to many thoughts and views of the extremely pleasant Dharma. Because there were so many foreigners at this particular stay, I didn't get to ask nearly all of me questions. Much of what I learned was through observation. But it was still a wonderful and beautiful time - I always enjoy learning about others' views on the world and how they allow it to affect their lives.

And that was the end.
Most people ran as fast as they could
to catch the next bus back to Seoul. 

I was not quite ready to leave, so I took an extra
hour, sat next to the Four Kings, and wrote extensively
about my first Temple Stay experience.

I caught the 1 o'clock bus with 3 minutes to spare, and thus began my 6-hour, unexpectedly pleasant, journey back to real life.