A tour in Korean temples

Far from the glitter ruling in Thailand, temples are a more sober affair here, yet colorful when they are painted. Traditional Korean temples usually comprise a number of pavilions - the Buddha hall, shrines to various Bodhisattvas, pagodas, and the indispensable bells pavilion. This is a composite made with pictures taken in various places.









A closer look at details.









The people you will meet in a temple.

A monk chanting a kido.

Note the funky socks. I have the same!

A small memorial ceremony for a recently deceased. The monks chant to Jijang Bosal, the Bodhisattva of hell beings who vowed to rescue all beings in all the hells. The family offers a symbolic cup of alcohol and bows to the portrait of the deceased, before also bowing to the monks in sign of respect and gratitude for their work. Interconnectedness - the monks serve the lay community and the laypeople support the monastics.

The scholar of the house.

Monks chilling before dinner.

A very cheeky monk.

Nuns shopping for bells.

After meeting my father, this eccentric old monk wanted to meet the daughter-who-was-interested-in-Buddhism, so i was treated to a lecture on the importance of being a good Korean *ahem* and received a calligraphy for my pains!


Temple aficionadas.

The welcoming committee - fierce guardians meant to ward off evil spirits.

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.






One mischievious looking Bodhisattva.


First time i see a Buddha holding his hands together in this fashion, like he's just managed the deal of the century. Well, i guess enlightenment would qualify as such...

This one caught my eye in a mandala exhibit. The missing link between Judaism and Buddhism?

Leaving...

... but i'll be back.