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.
I have to admit, the first time I looked at this symbol, it perplexed me. I wondered what it meant. I knew it was a symbol of peace here. It's prominence throughout Korean culture is felt and marks the buildings for those who practice Buddhism or marks temples. The ultimate symbol of hate, intolerance seemed to overshadow the world when Hitler rose to power and transposed this symbol. That regime showed how something good can be twisted into the absolute representation of all that can be evil in this world.
Symbols are very important to all of us because they tie to us to a common focus or theme we want to identify ourselves with. Just as these symbols are displayed throughout this site, I pondered the craving for peace this region has.
What I am amazed with is how these temples managed to survive the Korean War. Why there is a lack of ancient buildings, and home sites is simple. War destroys. Peace builds. During the Korean War cities were levelled. As I have looked at the major cities, such as Seoul and Daegu trying to find the past thread of their cultures through their architecture, I am saddened to see all of the massive concrete structures that seem to lack that thread to the past.
It is why I walk along these places, and see for myself the Korea that once existed. The construction that was of a different time, before the divisions of ideologies and the interference of Russia and the United States made this state a divided region. Here you can imagine the memories of a different time.
Realizing that the swastika is really pink, not black...and pointed in the right direction...towards peace and love...towards life and not a symbol of death.
