A Temple Stay Experience at Yongjoosa: Finding Peace in the Snow
Hello, I'm Baepsae!
Early this year, on a snowy day, I felt the need to rest my tired mind from my busy life, so I went on a temple stay at Yongjoosa Temple!
That day suddenly came to mind, so I'm writing this vivid review.
Yongjoosa Temple was established by King Jeongjo to honor the spirit of his father, Crown Prince Sado. It is said that on the night before the completion ceremony, a dragon ascending to heaven with a Yeouiju (a mythical orb) in its mouth was seen in a dream, and thus it was named 'Yongjoosa' (Dragon Pearl Temple).
Deeply devoted to his father, King Jeongjo always missed Crown Prince Sado and never held back his words of request whenever he visited Yongjoosa.
Once I completed the reservation and payment through the website, I received a text message like this!
[Essential Items] Personal tumbler (water bottle), toiletries, towel, sneakers, socks, hair tie, personal medicine.
The necessary items may vary depending on the season.
I took the bus and got off at the Yongjoosa stop.
At the entrance of Yongjoosa, there is a large information map with cute illustrations that caught my eye.
It was a sunny day after a snowfall.
I arrived at Yongjoosa by 2:30 PM and, after receiving guidance, checked into my room. Families were assigned to rooms for two, but since I came alone for healing, I was able to use a room by myself.
If there are many people, it seems like two people might have to share a room even if they don't know each other. It's best to inquire when making a reservation.
The room was quite a spacious ondol (Korean heated floor) room.
There were simple bedding and a hairdryer!
On the wall, there was a simple schedule for the experience and rest-type temple stays. I was informed that the schedule may change depending on the circumstances of Yongjoosa Temple.
Here's a look at the bathroom!
There were a few Buddhist books, and the ondol temperature could be adjusted individually!
It had been a while since I laid down in an ondol room, so it felt so good to warm myself on the heated floor ㅠㅠ
Along with the room information, I also received the pants and vest to wear!
After a short rest, I moved to have a tea ceremony with the monk. There were many books related to Buddhism, so I read while waiting for the monk.
What image usually comes to mind when you think of a 'monk'?
I imagine a monk who is old and has a kind smile, but the monk who led the tea ceremony when I visited was a young man in his 30s.
At the time, I was so tired of my company and the repetitive daily life that I wanted to gain a lot of wisdom, but it was a bit difficult ㅠ
There were definitely lessons learned in the conversations with the 'MZ' monk, but it was difficult to bring up my deep concerns.
The monk who conducts the tea ceremony varies from time to time, so this part will probably be different depending on the day ㅠㅠ
Snowy Yongjoosa was really beautiful!
I had a simple dinner.
I was advised not to leave any food, so I ate just a little.
If you want, you can experience the dawn Buddhist service.
I also participated in the dawn Buddhist service.
After the dawn service, we performed 108 bows.
108 bows is the act of bowing to the Buddha 108 times to cut off the 108 defilements and grow, and we did this while threading 108 beads one by one.
The monk did not participate in the 108 bows, but played a video of the 108 Great Repentance Prayers, and we bowed to the sound.
You can also make one of these Shrinkles paper crafts! There are various designs.
I hope my review of the Yongjoosa Temple Stay will be helpful to those who are looking into temple stays.
I'll end this post now!
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