Hey Family!
Tomorrow early in the morning I will be taking a 4 hour bus ride to Chungju. It is in the northern part of South Korea, very close to Seoul. It’s actually the province where UN secretary general Ban Kim Moon grew up!
Why am I going to Chungju?? Well I will be doing a Temple Stay at a Buddhist temple. I plan on do 5 temple stays before I leave Korea.
I want to learn more about the culture/lifestyle/philosophy of Buddhism and figured this is the best way to do so. If I am allowed to take pictures I will.
I chose this temple as the first experience because it was suggested by Sous chef. His cousin is a monk there and he even offered to pick me up from the bus terminal!
I chose this particular weekend because they informed me that an English speaking monk will be in residence and it would be possible to have tea with him and have any questions answered.
You have no idea how excited AND nervous I am about this opportunity. I am packing along a small overnight backpack with toiletries essentials, iPod, wallet,snacks, a book, my homework and extra warm clothing. It’s going to be very cold in the mountains especially since its so cold up north. I am staying over night and basically getting the chance to live like a monk this weekend.
A recount of my experience will follow on Monday.
But until then you can find more information about temple stays here : https://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_4_5.jsp
I’m excited as you are!!! I wished we had skyped before you left but I can’t wait to hear how it went. You will surely come back with a wider mind and brighter spirit.
haha! I know! We need a skype date soon! I am leaving for Malaysia and Singapore in a few days. We must talk before then:)