It has been created by the largest Buddhist order in Korea, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. As per its website the program aims to allow visitors to:
sample ordained lifestyle and experience the mental training and cultural experience of Korea’s ancient Buddhist tradition,
Success of this programme can be noted from the fact that starting with 14 temples four years ago it has increased to a whopping 50, with 52,549 participants in 2005. Catherine Price went to stay at the meditation center on Ganghwa Island, a center nestled amongst paddy fields and much beauty.
Trying to reach nirvana is not fun and games. It entails getting up early, keeping strict schedules, being vegetarian, sleeping on stiff mats and doing a lot of meditation in a position that you might not find that comfortable.
Be prepared to be outfitted with baggy pant and shirt along with a straw hat and plastic slippers. Different temples offer different activities which have been summed below.
Activities: Community work, lots and lots of meditation, walking meditations through the temple grounds, calligraphy practice, a traditional Buddhist meal ceremony and a discussion about Buddhism led by the temple’s head monk, Buddhist martial arts, stone rubbings, hiking and painting.
Jun Jong-young, a temple-stay coordinator, says:
Korea’s economy is better now, and people are busier and more stressed. They want to set aside time for a more cultural experience.
Some come here to get a feel of an extended family life, others to search the path towards nirvana. Well if it is your cup of tea and you can handle the lifestyle of a monk do go in for this culturally, meditatively enriching experience.
