On the first of three days at a temple in the central part of South Korea, I was briefed on the temple’s history. During this orientation, I learned just why the temple was right where it was. Apparently a few things went into choosing the location, one of which was that standing on the top level of the temple, there would be an unobstructed “view” to the U.S. Why? Because the monk who founded the temple believed that Buddhism was moving west.
The above photo shows the view from the third level of the temple. Below is the temple.
Spending three days at the temple? I’m so jealous! Did you actually stay on the grounds? I want more details on this. (and I love the socks and flops in the other post….so great. Now post those nail photos…I know everyone else will enjoy them as much as I do!
Hehehe! I actually did stay on the grounds, kind of literally…my bed was a thin mattress-like quilt we put on the floor of a building near the temple but inside the grounds.
South Korean temples had “templestay” programs when the country hosted the World Cup in 2002, and some have kept it going…but this is one of the only ones with English speakers on staff that allow people to come on their own and not with a large booked group. I loved it! I think I may try to stay at another temple in SE Asia…