Sects and the City

Bongeunsa (see earlier post) – the Buddhist temple right in the middle of one of the most modern parts of Seoul. As a backdrop to the scene, you can see some of the skyscrapers surrounding this beautiful temple. In the picture is one of the entrances to the temple; in this case a set of stone steps leading up from a parking area. Unfortunately the sense of perspective which creates an almost tangible split between the old and the new as you stand gazing upon this scene is lost to the third dimension not present in the only two dimensions of this picture.

The Future of Buddhism?

Maitreya (मैत्रेय in Sanskrit) is The Future Buddha – who will appear on Earth, achieve enlightenment and teach pure Dharma. Images (e.g. statues) of Maitreya can be found around the world. This particular one is in Bongeunsa temple in Seoul (see earlier post). It’s massive (23 meters tall), it’s beautiful, it gives you that sense of wonder as you emerge from the forest-like grounds of the temple to see it in a clearing before you; and even in the biting cold of winter you can see people sitting in front of it worshipping or simply staring up in reverence.

Out Standing

As mentioned in a earlier post, the grounds of Bongeunsa are scattered with trees. This adds to – if not in fact, makes – the charm of this temple. The tree in this picture was really standing out amongst its companions, literally and figuratively. But seriously, just walking around it, looking up at it was truly spellbinding. If you’ve ever forgotten why people sometimes say that trees can be beautiful, this tree will remind you.

Color Coded Spirituality

Dancheong refers to a traditional Korean form of decorative coloring that can be found on buildings and certain items. It is based on the colors blue, white, black, red and yellow and has a deeper meaning than simply that of the aesthetic. This coloring can be seen in this picture of the side of one of the buildings in Bongeunsa temple (see the previous post). The decorative paintings in between / below the Dancheong colorings are also traditional and can be utilized as a form of storytelling. These interesting paintings can be seen on the sides of many of the buildings and halls throughout Bongeunsa.

Struck By Light

Bongeunsa (봉은사) is a Buddhist temple located in the Samseong-dong area of Gangnam, Seoul. The temple grounds are spread out on a hill and surrounded by trees. As you walk through the grounds, you encounter small stone steps leading you slightly higher up the hill and to the different buildings of the temple. The feeling is that of being in a secluded forest / woods; although, in reality you are bang in the middle of one of the most modern parts of Seoul. The picture of the little tree (which was growing almost horizontally out of the side of the hill) was taken by one of the stone staircases.