More Temples in Seoul

Hey Folks,

We started our Chuseok vacation at Geumsunsa Temple for another temple stay in the mountains of Seoul. The location was beautiful and the air quality was markedly better than in Cheonan. We cleared our minds with fantastic instructions from our monk. Even meditated to the sound of a real brook. This temple also had one very unique meditation area .. in a cave!

The first day, they gave us a tour of the temple and all the buildings. We learned to prostrate again and how to meditate. This time, it was much better. They had us mediate for a reasonable amount of time and in an open temple where you could hear the sound of the stream right behind you. The point is to focus on your breathing so much that all other sounds disappear and you achieve a state of relaxation. This templestay also gave us some personal time, where we could explore the grounds and see all the paintings of Buddha's life, painted on the exterior of buildings. The second day, after the predawn ceremony, we performed a walking mediation until dawn. Later, we hiked the mountain on which the temple is situated and got a great view of Seoul and the surrounding area. Jennika would like to go back and hike the whole mountain one day.


Me looking a little dorky in front of the sign for the temple stay.



This is the first building you walk through. Feeling the ringing of the bell wash over you is such a great experience. 

Jennika showing the monks her bawler outfit.

Inside one of the Temples

Practicing our postrations!

Another beautiful scene.

View of Seoul from the temple

The temple stay group, after our hike up the mountain for one last meditation.

The two of us at the top of the mountain.

The Path leading up to the cave entrance.

Cheers, JM