Temple Stay Experience

I love learning about different cultures and religions. While spending my year in Korea, I was determined to do a temple stay. (temple stay booked here). I found one that was foreigner friendly and in English.

Where I Stayed

I ended up going to Bongeunsa Temple located in Gangnam. While I was here I learned how to meditate by counting. The idea is you count to 10 and not let any other thoughts in. As soon as a thought appears you start over at 1 again. It was hard, I still have problems with it. I attended a 5am service which I didn’t understand (and before hand we walked to the big drum and watch them do the morning drum “service”). Despite not being able to understand, it was still moving and I learned about the Buddha. I made a paper lotus flower as well, which was included.

When I went it happened to be Buddha’s birthday so we did something different. I got to attend the Lantern Festival that was held in Buddha’s honor. Being in this parade/festival was such a rewarding and humbling experience.

A Must Do Activity

During this stay I got to be guided by one of the female Buddha followers. In this experience I learned that Buddhism isn’t as much as a religion as it is a philosophy on life. I have much more respect for this way of living/religion than I ever had before.

These followers and philosophers are devout much more than any other religion/philosophy I have come across. If you are ever in Seoul I suggest going to check this temple out.