English: It does the body good...

I have an odd way of noticing things. Like being on my way out to Mount Palgongsan to teach for part of the day under the shadow of the Buinsa temple and noticing a milk truck with ESL stamped on the side. I snap a picture and laugh at the irony.

It was just one of those mornings that felt like everything was just in time, where I was doing what I had to do, and reviewed the directions once again, trying to reconcile what I knew vice what I had been told. Often, there can be a huge gulf between the two. Often, sadly I have found the things a foreigner is told is often a huge estimation, not necessarily giving you all of the information. Perceptions of time and distance often vary, and many 'details' are presented with little time to make an informed decision. This has forced me to rely on my instincts on more than one occasion. Like the difference in commuting time. I went with my instincts over the information provided to me. 30 minutes was safer than 10 minutes. Also, the number of classes I was to teach swelled within 24 hours from 4, to 6, to eventually being 8 classes. Minor details...just minor...I still had a great time doing this event.

As I watched the children get pumped up for their experience I marvelled once again at how on a Saturday...children and their parents came out to spend an afternoon to interact in English and be excited about it. I saw parents beaming with pride about the performances their children gave over learning. They were giving it their all. They had as much excitement as if they were at a sporting event. At the end of this event, the student and the teachers all posed together for group photos, and out from every pocket, purse, or handbag...came the cameras. 10 - 15 minutes of being posed...as if the teachers were rock stars.

And it is very telling. This is a Saturday in Korea...and yes, they are serious about their future.

Temple Art Two

As you come to the gate, to be greeted by a protector that reminded me of the quote, "speak softly and carry a big stick." I had to laugh. I loved the vivid color mixed with the stern features. I thought of images like this being placed in other churches or temples of worship and wondered about the fear that this must instill with small children. The other contradiction I saw was how this figure had facial hair, and so many Korean men are clean shaven. It is an odd thing to see a man with any facial hair at all.

The interior of one of the building had this display of monks or priests that have made an impact in this temple. A visual history of who were in positions of leadership during various dynasties. I could only compare this with the pictorals of the past popes of the Catholic Church. The artwork is framed with such modest frames, it kind of stunned me, because I had to wonder how old some of this work truly is.

A traditional altar setting. Though I will be the image is a lot older that I am.

No space seemed to be without art. Even the ceilings are painted with floral patterns. I had to imagine a person laying on the floor to just stare at the celing. Perhaps seeking an answer to a life long question. Then again, they may just stare and play with the images in their mind.

No matter what belief system you hold, you have to admit...it just simply is beautiful to behold.

The Obverse of a Symbol of Fear

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.

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.

Reunification Buddha- Donghwasa Temple

The Donghwasa Temple is situated in the Mount Palgongsan Area of Daegu, which was originally constructed in 493 by Priest Geukdahwasang, originally called the Yugasa Temple. However, this Buddah is the newest addition to the Temple grounds, built for the purpose of prayer for the reunification of Korea.

It's size is overwhelming. You will always notice the over sized ears on Buddahs in this region. The purpose of the over sized ears is basically an invitation to be heard. A desire to hear your hopes and dreams...the prayers for what you want in life. You will usually see Buddah with a lotus blossom in his right hand and in the left hand, a peach. I did notice the absence of the lotus blossom, but the peach was ever present, with a little something extra.

I could not help but notice the bird's nest being protected under the left hand, as a kind of omen. The priests here have obviously have agreed...for there have been no efforts to remove the nest.

Wish upon a star?? How about a Dragon's egg...

On the grounds of Dongwasa Temple you will find yourself doing a lot of walking, which I am not opposed to. In the states, we could do with doing more and sitting less. In this peaceful area I picked up on another underlying theme of dragons. When my son was much younger, he was into a show called "Dragon Ball Z", which as any good mother would do, I researched this series of martial arts and Japanese animation. The quest was to secure Dragon balls throughout the universe so that you would be able to get any wish. After you collected a certain number to summon the dragon, the dragon was obliged to grant your wish.

Now, what made me think of this piece of trivia...was the dragons that lined the steps with a dragon egg in their mouths.

I had finally asked about the significance of these dragons, which of course the answer was for protection. And then I saw them...in their makeshift dragon's nest. There were three dragon eggs half-way down the steps. Legend has it...if you place a coin on the eggs and touch the eggs, you will be granted your hearts desire.

Of course I bought into the mythology...and placed a 100 won coin on top of each egg...like a game of Jenga..not toppling the stack of coins and touched each 'egg' for good luck. Now, what did I wish for?? Hmm...not sure if I should tell...after all I have come a long way...too far to jinx my dreams.

Mount Palgongsan Area...a good place to start

The Mount Palgongsan area was really a great place to start my explorations in Daegu. This area is the most sacred part of Daegu, situated in the Northeastern part of the city. The Buddist culture is treasured and memorialized in this region, and though they have 6 schedules stops on this trek:

Bullo-dong Tomb Park, Bangija Yugi Museum, Donghwasa Temple, The Historic site of General Sin Gun-gyeom, and the Bongmu Leports Park...I recommend you select two areas that you really want to experience and not just pass through as a tourist.

I was rather pleased how easy it was to make a reservation, as you can tell by the sparse population on the tour bus, my friends and I were able to enjoy ourselves. It isn't the height of the tourist season...no crowds to contend with, and with the scheduled start and stops, you are very free to explore the different areas with as much detail as you would like.

For those that want a guided tour...you have to be in a group of ten or more, but then you are within the confines of the group schedule. I have to admit, I did love the freedom of going through at my own leisure.

I am ANGRY (not really), but they are..

I went to view a number of places today, in the Mount Palgongsan area, gathering up my images of what I plan on sharing over the upcoming week. I thought I would start with these kind and lovable creatures that are typically posted at the entrances of temples.

The reasons for these formidable creatures is to protect the temple by warding off anything that would try to harm these places of peace and solitude. My guide, Monica, told me that often Korean mothers would tell their children about these creatures...warning them if their behaviour did not improve, they would come and get them.

I had to laugh...but smiled when I noticed the colored prayer requests that were folded up and tied together. Requests for luck, love, happiness, and health...the common needs of all.

All Buddhist temples are primarily found in the mountains, as the religion was heavily persecuted. The Doughwasa Temple, was built in 493 and its original name was Yugasa and renamed after its reconstruction.

At the Donghwasa Temple...you will be met by these creatures with bulging eyes and just remember...they really won't harm you...but they are always watching.