Temples of
Buddhism are places that can be described as places of special magic – the kind
of magic that truly can help one grow in many positive ways even if the person
is not a Buddhist. The first thing one
should understand is that Buddhism cannot truly be defined as a religion if the
basis for definition of religion is “god-centered”. Buddha was not a god, did not claim to be a
god, and did not want people to see him as a god. He wanted people to know him simply as a
person who found a special life pathway in life that allowed him to help create
positive outcomes for all around him – be they high in station or be they low. So, by following the path blazed by Buddha,
others could also hopefully achieve likewise.
In addition
to the powerful philosophy of Buddhism designed to help people improve their
lives as well as improving life all around them, temples in Korea tend to be
located in very bucolic settings in the mountains. The temples and their grounds almost form a
park setting displaying not only for the monks, but for all visitors, the
wonders and natural order of nature.
Gazebo Rest
Living Quarters
Stay Quarters
The Drum and Gong used to announce the daily events
The Stele for the Magoksa Temple
I recently
took yet another trip to the Magoksa Temple with Han, Wan-hui. This trip was occasioned by Mr. Han’s live ocarina
performance for an audience of people who were being entertained during the
period of their ‘Templestay’. Here I
should explain that people in ‘Templestay’ are taking the opportunity to get
connected with Buddhism in many aspects.
They come from around the world to live for a short period of time in a
temple so that they may experience and receive a better understanding of
Buddhism in many, though by no means all, aspects. Some may, in time, become novitiates, and
perhaps, still further on, they may become disciples and later monks. More importantly though, all gain a much
greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world, while finding
a special kind of peace that is difficult to encounter in the outside world.
Mr. Han preparing for his performance while a friend, Mr. Kim, looks on
The performance hall - a very intimate setting
The Magoksa lecturn - how do I know? You can read (from top to bottom) "Ma Gok Sa"
A panoramic view of about one-half of the performance hall
The building immediately beyond the fence is the office of the Head Monk
A panoramic view outside the performance hall
The drums from a group that plays traditional Korean music
The gong is used to announce daily events - I was honored by being allowed to ring it
With the
recent Magoksa ‘Templestay’, the head monk had arranged for a special night of musical
entertainment – some Korean traditional music, some modern western music, and
some a fusion of both. For me, I had a
fantastic time as the music, all live, was as exhilarating as any such
entertainment I had previously experienced.
The group of traditional drum and gongs prepares for their performance
A group working with both traditional and modern instruments to create a fusion sound
Even the halls had ears during the performances.
Note the Head Monk - Won Kyung, just behind the door.
A fusion group prepares for performance
Above and Below, Han, Wan-hui checks out the sound
Instruments and stands for the traditional drum and gong group are taken into the hall
BELOW (three pictures): Han, Wan-hui begins setup
Below: The 'Templestay' members begin to aggregate
Below: Mr. Han makes final sound checks
Above and Below: looking towards the building that acts to protect the drum and gong
Above: The temple's announcement board
Below: The temple commissary which offers only vegetarian fare
Above and Below: We were invited to eat here and,
as you can see - above the food and below the self-serve style
Above: Our seating arrangements
Above and Below: The food was delicious
Above: We did our own cleanup
Below: The signs posted for all who may eat here
And Do Not Waste Water
As I mentioned previously, I was honored by being allowed to ring the gong
This lady monk rings the gong with much aplomb
Won Kyung addresses the audience as Mr. Han puts the finishing touches to his setup
Prepared, Mr. Han now addresses the audience
An audience that also included Mr. Kyung
And thus he begins
And Mr. Kim and his friend
Outside, the succeeding acts begin their preparations
Final Thank-Yous and then finish
And, BELOW, the next acts begin
The clear mix of traditional and modern instruments
can clearly be observed in these photographs
Even the drums are western style
These photos clearly show the more traditional instruments used by this band
Above: The Magoksa obelisk
The traditional gong and drum group perform
Above and Below: The food kits of those on 'Templestay'
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