Finding Peace at Hyuhyua Hermitage and Myojeok Hall in Yangyang
3-16 Gwangjin 2-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
휴휴암
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Yangyang, Gangwon-do, Hyuhyua Hermitage (휴휴암) and its sanctuary, Myojeok Hall (묘적전), offer a spiritual sanctuary for those seeking to escape the relentless noise of daily life. Affiliated with the renowned Shinheungsa Temple, these sacred spaces are named after the concepts of resting deeply and finding ultimate tranquility in the embrace of the Buddha.
This is a place designed for profound relaxation, where the heart can become beautiful and peaceful once more. In a world where our minds are constantly wavering between comparisons, duties, and worries, Hyuhyua provides a rare opportunity to let go of dualistic attachments and simply exist in the present moment.
Finding Stillness in a Wavering World
Living an unwavering life is far from easy. From the moment we wake up, our minds often cling to one side or another—worrying about the work week on Mondays or feeling overwhelmed by expectations for the weekend. Buddhism teaches that this agonizing state of confusion, caught between love and hate or purity and pleasure, is the root of suffering known as attachment.
At Hyuhyua Hermitage, visitors are encouraged to break free from this cycle. The philosophy here is simple: stop making excuses and stop searching for reasons not to act. Instead, we should trust our first instincts and move forward without labeling time as "wasted" or "lost." Whether we succeed or quit midway, the goal is to leave the gaps to the natural flow of life.
The Beauty of 'Jeok' and True Tranquility
In the sanctuary of Myojeok Hall, one can contemplate the Buddhist state of mind called 'Jeok' (寂). This character signifies a profound tranquility—a state of being detached from all attachments and not belonging to any single fixed place. It is the freedom to exist apart from the dualistic chaos that usually fuels our daily stress.
By embracing this beauty of a non-fixed mind, we neither desire nor deny the changes around us. We simply exist freely. Hyuhyua Hermitage serves as a physical reminder that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to rest, let go of the obsession to fill every second, and let the heart find its natural, peaceful rhythm by the sea.
Have you ever visited a place that truly allowed you to let go of all your attachments and just breathe? If you're traveling through Yangyang, I also recommend visiting the nearby Naksansa Temple for more breathtaking coastal views. What is your favorite way to find tranquility when life feels overwhelmingly busy?
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