In monks for 3 days ...
At 4:30 in the morning, a ringing is heard from the street, repeating over and over again... I quickly dress and go out into the street. In the main temple of Woljongsa Monastery, morning prayers have already begun. It seems that I was late - and, trying not to disturb anyone, I carefully sit down in front of the golden face of the Buddha. To experience Korean life in its entirety, there is nothing better than going to live in a real Buddhist temple for a few days. Such an opportunity is available in almost any monastery in South Korea. The monks only encourage such visits: for them this is a good opportunity to earn money for the maintenance of the temple and, more importantly, to share their knowledge. All travelers live in guest cells (and you need to sleep right on the floor), dress in the clothes of pilgrims, eat with monks and novices in the monastery dining room.
Every morning you have to get up as early as possible in order to be in time for the prayer to the Buddha - its simplest version includes 108 prostrations. After that, there is an opportunity to talk with the monks, ask all your questions about life and Buddhism. As a rule, in any such monastery there is someone who speaks English, so there are no difficulties in communication.
During the few days spent in Woljongse, I completely lost track of time: walks in the forest, the still gaze of the Buddha and the absolute calmness spilled around set up a philosophical mood. In the cell next to me lived a Greek woman with the classical antique name Eurydice. Refusing to go skiing with her friends, she went to temple stay, as Koreans call the possibility of living in a temple. Before that, she lived in Tibet, but, judging by the stories, she liked it even more in South Korea.
There are different options for living in the monastery - you can just stay for a few days out of interest. Or you can try to penetrate deeper into the essence of the teaching, master meditation and understand your own reflections. Be that as it may, there is simply no better opportunity to penetrate the ancient Korean culture.
The monastery is located in Gangwon Province, near the Odaesan National Park.
As a rule, temples are located far from cities, so you should definitely take medicines and other necessary things with you.
The cuisine in South Korea is very specific, and most importantly, it is rare in which restaurant you can find a menu in English. Therefore, if you have not yet learned Korean, you should download a program in advance for translating simple words and phrases into Korean.
You can find a suitable temple-stay on the website eng. templestay. com, the cost will be from $40-50 per day.
But it is better to inquire about the specifics of accommodation, programs, and the availability of guides in advance.
Hapzhang etiquette is a greeting to be performed when meeting monks or other novices. To do this, you need to join your hands with your palms to each other at chest level and bow. Connected palms mean that you are giving a person a piece of your soul and heart. This is how you make it clear that the person you meet is on the same life path with you. Buddhist monks are considered spiritual teachers and mentors, from whom you can always learn useful knowledge and get a life lesson. Therefore, wherever you meet a Buddhist monk, greet him with respect by bowing "hapzhang".
You can go to the temples of South Korea almost at any time. It is especially beautiful here in autumn and spring.
If you are going on a trip in winter, be sure to check how the cells are adapted to the cold. The Woljongsa monastery has all the conditions for this, including heated floors in the cells.
