A Temple Stay is a short sojourn at a temple where one goes to follow monastic rules of life.

For this reason, many seek out temples for the explicit purpose of having a rest. It is for this reason that a temple

stay can be compared to a nap: a short break from one's daily routine provides the energy necessary to carry on

with one's busy existence. The various programs offered around the country all possess, to some degree, the

essense of Korean Buddhism. This book uses simple terms to explain the meaning of some of the rituals that

one may encounter at a temple stay and gives insight into the history, philosophy and practices of Korean Buddhism. Are you ready to transcend the boundaries of religion and depart for a temple stay, the storehouse

of Korean Buddhist culture? Open your mind to the information contained in this book.

CONTENTS

Introduction 6

Chapter 1

One Special Night at a Mountain Temple 12

Full-body Bowing l Morning Service l A Tour of the Temple

Meal of Four Bowls l On Returning to Everyday Life

Chapter 2

Temples: The Space of Practice 22

Temples as a World of Symbols l The Daily Life of Practitioners

Imbuing Every Gesture with One's Mind

Chapter 3

Korean Buddhism 42

The Seed of Buddhism Spreads in Korea l The Flowering of Seon

Korean Buddhism Overcomes Danger and Rises Again

Chapter 4

Diverse Experiences through Temple Stay 58

The Growth of Temple Stay l The Temple Stay Program for Foreigners

From Martial Arts to Coffee Beans: Special Temple Stay Programs

Chapter 5

Practice: A Happy Habit that Changes Me 84

A Practice that Heals the Body and Mind l Types and Methods of Practice in Korean Buddhism

Practices Available during Temple Stays l Practices That Can Be Done in Daily Life

Appendix

Information 108

Delving Deeper

Samul: Musical Instruments for Conversion of the Masses 30

Basics of Temple Etiquette: Hapjang and Jeol 41

Ganhwaseon: Speaking Words, Erasing Words 56

Temple Stay Information at a Glance 64

Experience Buddhist Temple Culture to Open Up Your Mind 72

Angeo: A Special Study behind a Locked Door 104