Temple Stay

This past weekend, Amanda and I went on a temple stay. This is very popular among foreigners because you get a chance to experience the monk way of life. We went to a Buddhist temple two and half hours south of Seoul. The name of the temple was Geumsansa. It is known as one of the most famous temples in Korea. The temple grounds were beautiful. It really was interesting to see how monks live and learn about this way of life. However, I do not enjoy waking up at 3 am. I also did not enjoy the surplus of "free time" to meditate. I believe that knowing how to meditate is something you have to learn. It is very hard to just sit for long periods of time without knowing how to calm your mind. I ended up chatting with Amanda, sleeping, or reading during much of this time.

At the rest stop, I found this to eat..... Mat Fish Paste... uh what?

Temple breakfast. Temple lunch. Temple dinner. Same meal for every meal. Meals are served at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm. It was the same food, but then again, that is very typical in Korea in general. You are expected to eat everything you take, no waste.

The following photos are of the temple. Most do not need captions. You can just look at them.

This is me in a very thoughtful pose.

In case you need to make a call during your visit at the temple, a phone is available.

This bell is rung three times a day, at dawn, at noon, and at dusk.

The buildings were so detailed.

Ah yes... the monk attire.

Being very zen-like.

Making a lotus lantern. A lotus grows out of the mud but is never dirty. This is why it is so amazing. I also learned that lotus flowers should give you a happy heart.

My completed lotus lantern.

Temple cafeteria. There is no talking. Eating is for nourishment, not enjoyment.

This is the monk in charge of beating the drums and ringing the bell.

She is demonstrating how to do a meditative walk. I have never seen someone move so slowly. Luckily, it started pouring rain immediately after this picture was taken so we did not have the walk almost 100 yards moving at the incredibly slow rate.

Tea time.

These trees are in love because it is two trees that somehow share a branch.

Pretending to mediate.

The beating of the drums.


3 am meditation and chanting.



Temple talk.