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Published: March 3rd 2007
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My friends and I decided to go for a temple stay over the new year 2006/2007. We left early form Gumi with the bus to Gyoengju. There we had a look at the tombs in Tumuli Park. Because it was the middle of the winter everything was dry and dull.
On the other side of the park we saw a horse carriage ride going up and down through a park. We bought tickets and went on a very bumpy ride imagining how life was before cars were invented.
We took a taxi back to the Express bus terminal and caught local city bus no:100 to the Golgulsa Temple. We drove on a winding road through the mountains for about 30min. The bus driver stopped in the middle of nowhere and told us this is where we should get of.
He drove off and we were left sanding wondering where to now? We asked the first person we saw and she showed us the direction in which we should go. Like pilgrims we walked and wandered where we are going. About 10min walking later we saw something that looked like a gate to a temple. We climbed up with the
road and yes this was it. Our feet were relieved after walking the whole day.
A paper sign showed the way to reception and with the help of a Korean Girl that could speak some English we were booked in.
The 3 of us got our own room that can sleep about 8-10 people. Of course we were sleeping the traditional Korean way- on the floor. I think it is just to save money on beds!
We went for dinner in the Dining room that was filled with people. You must eat all the food in your plate- no left overs! If you show up with left overs they send you back to finish. The food is traditional Korean soup, rice and the side dishes.
After dinner we all went to the Sunmudo Hall. There we bowed and meditated with the monks. Then it was time for Sunmudo Stretches. The Sunmudo movements weren't the easiest thing, we all struggled and had a laugh. Then the real experts gave us a very impressive presentation! I was too tired to continue with the bows to Buddha but my 2 friends decided they will give it a go. They later reported
back with shaking legs that they did over 1000 bows!
At 4 we woke up with a monk chanting peacefully in the valley. 4:30 we were back in the Sunmudo Hall for morning meditation and chanting. Just after 5 we were having breakfast (rice cake soup) and before 6 we jumped on a bus that took us to the nearest beach to watch the first sunrise for 2007.
There was a big bonfire on the beach and lots of people were gathering around it to survive the cold. The monks started chanting as the sky turned light blue on the horizon of the East Sea. After the chanting we tried to do Sunmudo in our thick clothing- that was a challenge! More and more people gathered on the beach with their fireworks to welcome the new year. There was a overall feeling of joy and peace! Hot "koppy" (as the Koreans say) were served and some snacks.
The monk called everyone back to the bus but the ride to the temple took forever as everyone was on the road to get back home. Finely we got there and joined the Sunmundo Master for tea. We asked him
questions about the Sunmundo Art and Buddhism. There we met a very sweet Korean lady who said she will take us to the Buddha that is carved out of rock against the mountain. There one can also find different sized temples. We joined a Monk for chanting and did who knows how many bows with him. The sweet lady showed us how to bow properly and when to do what. When the Monk finished he gave us rice to take down to the kitchen and we felt privileged. One couldn't believe the view and how amazing everything was there.
We took the rice down with our numb legs and joined the other people for lunch. The sweet lady introduced us to the Master of the temple- really peaceful soul never have I picked up such rich energy from someone.
We went back to our room, packed our things and hit the road back home. Walk to the bus stop, ride to town, wait for express bus (it took very long - not very express if you ask me). Then we got on to the wrong bus that only took us half way to Gumi. Finally we caught the
right bus home...
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