An Intimate Viewing of Yongyeonsa Temple...

This weekend, I kept thinking about how I wanted to do something special. I not only was thinking about doing something unique and different...I was ready to do something. I was ready for the opportunity to present itself. I, along with a small group of other ex-patriot teachers, were given the honor of being granted an insider's look at temple life at Yongyeonsa Temple in Daegu, South Korea. It is a rare honor to provide you these images, since photographing the interiors of temples is rarely granted, and photographing ceremonies is usually frowned upon. Both the city of Daegu, and the temple staff extended us overwhelming hospitality that far exceeded our expectations. In fact, whenever you go to a temple area, it is best to go with an attitude of anything can happen.

The serene grounds of Yongyeonsa Temple are not only inviting, but there is a peaceful nature that you will find because the majority of South Korean temples are built in mountains, since Buddhism was driven out of urban areas. The use of natural stone to build their steps I found to be in total harmony with the natural surroundings.

We spent the day in the company of Monk Sang and the director of culture and arts for the city of Daegu, Mr. Dae Kwon Kim. During the 10 hours we spent on the temple grounds, we were exposed to all aspects of temple life. Even having brief teachings on proper bowing, meditation and an overview of basic Buddhist tenants on the path of enlightenment.

There is a beauty in the formality of the offerings that are presented, beginning with the tea ceremony where a woman, dressed in white walks on a white sheet towards the temple.

This imposing figure is one of the "four guardians", a representational figure to protect the religion of Buddhism. On this day, we were privileged to witness a rare ceremony that honors the four guardians.

This is the image of the Triad Buddha of the Geungnak-jean Hall. This relic is from the fourth reign of King Yeongio during the Joseon Dynasty.

This drum, which is sounded normally twice a day...the first time at 3 am, and the second time at 6 pm, is sounded for the lives of all who dwell on the land. A monk is given six months of training with a four-one count, as this monk demonstrated for us. The drum is housed in the Anyangnu Pavilion, along with a cloud shaped metal tablet that is played for all of the life in the air, a huge bell that is sounded for those who are being tortured in the after-life (it is said when the bell is sounded the tortured are allowed to rest while the bell is sounded...I rang it twice for them), and a fish tablet for all the life that is water born.

This visual display of two monks performing a dance was part of the ceremony for the guardians (or warriors).

The walk looked more fatiguing that it actually was. After sitting in a lotus position (or even a half-lotus position), you are thankful that you can get your blood circulating again.

If you want to know where the bones of Buddah are enshrined...here they are, in the Stone Gyedan Altar. A Gyedan is the ceremony of receiving Buddhist commandments is performed in the presence of the bones. According to the Buddhist calendar this altar was built in 2961. Modern Buddhists will walk around this stone three times to obtain a wish...and as the priest told us, 'three times, and you are too close to heaven.'

To the city of Daegu and the temple staff of Yongyeonsa Temple...thank you for this experience.

The peaceful grounds of the Donghwasa Temple

As I continue my exploration of Donghwasa Temple, I finally observed my first priest walking along the Temple living area while the tourists are invading this quiet and serene place. They seemed to be in hiding while the afternoon was filled with the curiosity seekers (such as myself) were there to appreciate the scenes. The support of this temple comes largely through tourism. I have to admit, that I did feel a sense of incredible peace while walking these grounds. I had to laugh when my friend, Monica asked me if I believed in 'myths'. It was her choice of words for the term of 'religion' that I found telling. I couldn't help but laugh, because really religion is to me a series of mythologies that different cultures embrace to keep their societies in tact, that provide a sense of order.

Yet, this is not like a lot of churches, this is a living breathing society that shuts out the rest of the world...though through need, they have opened their doors to allow the intrusion of tourism on their grounds.

I found the living quarters had special significance, where some were based on status (which is highly regarded), others were dedicated for special purposes or needs. One set of quarters where dedicated for women who were seeking to enhance their fertility. Others, for other maladies or conditions to seek remedies for through prayer and meditation.

Yet, the schedule of a temple stay is not for those who just simply want to find a place to sleep and wander around. The day starts at 3am, with of course prayer and meditation with the priests. However, if you are not into the religious aspect, it is still just a nice place to come and simply be an observer of their culture.

After all, when you are in a city with the population in the millions...it is just nice to escape from the madness at times.