Wow. Just wow. To say this was my favorite day is an understatement. To start everything off, we had to move from Seoul to Gyeongju. This required a bullet train ride, where I found a super cute shop where I claimed Wooga Choonga, or the plushie seen at the bottom (how am I getting this home??). During the train ride, I was able to time-lapse the whole trip on my phone for a really cool 20-second video. I also slept a lot, which was super nice with Wooga and earbuds. Shoutout to Noah Kahan for being the only album I am currently listening to. After going 180 mph for 2 hours, we arrived in Gyeongju and drove through the mountains to get to the temple.
Once we arrived at the temple, we were all very un-Buddhist-like as our rooms were very frustrating to get to with so much luggage. Some words were later exchanged with said hill. However, once I got to the room, everything changed. They gave us specific outfits to wear, similar to Monk robes, and we went down to watch a Seonmudo demonstration. Seonmudo, for everyone reading who definitely does not know, is a form of martial arts that focuses on breathing and being aware of your body, instead of pure fighting skills, since Buddhists are peaceful. Still, they did some pretty damn cool kicks. After this was over, all the tourists left, and we were alone with the monks for Seonmudo training, 108 postrations, and dinner. Seonmudo training consisted of a lot of stretching, breathing, and basic pose exercises. Then, we were joined by a monk to do about half of all 108 postrations, which involves a LOT of bows and getting back up, so it was surprisingly tiring. After all of this, the head monk prepared a performance “just for you” which involved traditional Korean drums, Gayageum, singing, and dancing with fans. It also involved basic yoga with a Monk. Fun fact, it was NOT basic, and by the end, I was upside down and bashed my knee into the wood. But I absolutely loved it! Finally, to the dislike of many except me, we had a vegan dinner. One of the practices Buddhists have is no food waste. Let’s just say I tried everything, got at least two plates, and didn’t leave a single grain left. Finally, since it got dark out, it was time to go to bed as we had to wake up at 5am the next morning for meditation.
They said there would be a bell to wake us at that time. I woke up to Michael poking me saying it was 5am. We all got ready and went to where we had our Seonmudo training. After about 30 minutes of the monks singing and praying in Korean and leading us in bows, we spent 10 minutes meditating. After about 9 minutes, my mind was wandering hard as my legs and back were killing me. However, I was able to do pretty well until the end and will continue to use this practice day to day. We then went outside for walking meditation, which is just walking very slowly and thinking about your walking. Then, to the dislike of many again, we had a vegan breakfast. Except this time, they had seaweed, and I devoured SO much food, it was absolutely amazing. Notice how I have said amazing about 20 times; this temple stay was just that good. Moving on, we then had some free time where we explored the mountainside that included a stone Buddha carving and many beautiful temples and stone structures. Then, like usual, I got some souvenirs which are secret because they are gifts, but I got myself a beautiful Jade bracelet. After this, we had another Seonmudo session, which focused on yoga, which I loved and was able to do a lot of, surprisingly. But the last pose, when we were basically doing a handstand but on our back, my calf cramped, and it still hurts. Finally, we went upstairs for a tea ceremony with the head monk to ask questions and learn about Buddhism. Sadly, that was the end. I could have easily stayed longer, and I even kept the practice of staying off my phone the whole time, but some things just need to end. We loaded our luggage up and went on to Pohang, which my next blog will start talking about. Maybe I can convince my parents to come here for a week but we will see! For now, have a great day, and I might post another blog soon. However, no promises, I am tired from Seonmudo and waking up so early.
Enjoy my few photos as I didn’t have my phone throughout the whole temple stay.
