[Terry's Tales] Seeking Beyond the Day

As you know I have been visiting Buddhist temples since my arrival in Korea.  In the US, there exist relatively few Buddhist temples as compared to a country such as Korea, though some are quite well known.  Also, some famous people have acknowledged their Buddhist philosophies and it is an idea that is slowly becoming more accepted across the US. 

To be certain though, one does not actually need a temple for nature is also a great temple, so, in effect, one need but information on the philosophy (the Dharma) and a quiet place for meditation to work one’s way into understanding.  At its basis Buddhism is a celebration of life, all life.  Still, to be able to journey to the places of Buddhism’s origin and spread centuries ago is to be able to appreciate it all the more.

As there are no temples within walking distance of my abode, I frequently will take an evening walk to a special place where I can find solitude, meditate, and play my danso (a kind of flute).

All living things have one thing in common, - LIFE.

Celebrate life and every life in your own.

 I walk to the end of the block and turn to the right.

 Across the road a convenience store - and even an Office Depot!

 Going a little further down the block . . .  just beyond the wall to the right, new apartment construction.

 A little ways to the left (across the street and beyond) yet more high rise apartments.

Past the school of Hapkido.

Turning right to go up this hill.

 Ascending the (seemingly) endless 
stairway towards the mountain top.

 More climbing.

 Climbing higher.

 Passing the trees that line the upward path.

 Further.

 More stairs upward.

 A brief break in the stairs but the upward ascent continues.

 The ever upward path.

 Upward, more stairs lead on.

 Nearing the point where the mountain meets the sky.

 The stairs continue.

 Approaching the bridge to the sky.

 The bridge begins.

 Looking back downward from the bridge.

 Looking forward and still further upward.

 The goal is now in sight.  The gazebo to the right is the top spot. 

 The Gazebo!

 Yet, the seclusion sought requires a little more walking.

 The upward path will take us to the first point of seclusion.

 Nearly there.

 Here.

 Yet there are times when people will be using the footpaths.  At those times I head downwars a bit via a different stair set.

 Still futher down these stairs.

 Then in to the woods for a number of yards to this spot.

Below:  My danso.