Prayer at Huhuam Temple: A Shaman's Journey of Blessings for All
A Prayer Story from Hwanghae-do Manshin Subok Sindang in Juan
Liberation Prayer by the Sea
[Huhuam Temple, Yangyang, Gangwon-do]
Hello.
I am Pyungsan Baksu, from Hwanghae-do Manshin Subok Sindang, a shaman house in Dohwa-dong, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, where I serve the spirits.
Today, as always, I headed towards prayer to steadfastly protect what is like the breath of a shaman.
Huhuam Temple in Yangyang, Gangwon-do.
Before Gwanseeum Bosal (Avalokiteśvara) nestled in the sea breeze, I reaffirmed my life and the breath of my patrons, offering my prayers.
The beginning of prayer, crossing the threshold...
"Prayer begins from the moment you leave."
The clear weather seemed to welcome me, and the warm sunlight embraced me gently.
I wonder when this intense heat will subside...?
From the moment I started the car, my prayer had already begun.
Ahead of the upcoming Chilseok Day (July 7th), my steps were filled with the hope for purification of karma: personal, ancestral, and spiritual.
Entering Myeokjeokjeon Hall, the compassionate smile of the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteśvara touched my heart.
As I prayed, I earnestly wished for the dissipation of karma and the release of all burdens.
A Prayer for the Nation, Family, and Patrons
"The object of prayer is none other than my life and our lives."
Sitting before the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteśvara, I composed myself.
The world feels so turbulent these days.
With the economy unstable and the political situation chaotic, the people seem to have lost their way and are struggling even more.
So, I prayed even more earnestly.
"National peace and security; only when the nation is at peace can the people breathe."
Knowing this simple truth, today's prayer was not just for myself but extended to a wish for everyone.
Within it, I also included the peace of my family.
The simple food on the table, the ordinary conversations asking after each other – knowing that such everyday life is the greatest blessing, I bowed my head once more, asking for that life to be protected.
And above all, I thought of the faces of my patrons who trust and rely on my spirits and come to Hwanghae-do Manshin Subok Sindang, Pyungsan Baksu.
Their eyes as they stood before my shrine, burdened by broken homes, the pain of their children, or exhaustion from the struggles of daily life.
I included each and every one of their wishes and hopes in my prayer.
Please let this prayer not be in vain.
May the nation and its people be at peace, may families be safe, and may the earnest wishes of my patrons bear fruit.
Today, the prayer I offered with folded hands beneath the spirits was ultimately not a prayer for myself but a prayer for the world we live in together.
Biryong Gwaneumjeon Hall
"The Avalokiteśvara of the Sea with a Dragon."
Entering Biryong Gwaneumjeon Hall, the magnificent figure of the Avalokiteśvara of the Sea greeted me.
Avalokiteśvara standing on a dragon, and the various guardian deities and Dragon Kings protecting Buddhism.
In that majestic presence that seemed to embrace the sea, I realized that today's liberation prayer was an even deeper connection.
Avalokiteśvara Standing Beneath the Sky
"Wisdom Avalokiteśvara, East Sea Dragon King, Namsun Dongja."
Looking up at the sky after leaving the hall, I saw the Wisdom Avalokiteśvara, East Sea Dragon King, and Namsun Dongja, a colossal 53-ja (approximately 16 meters) in height.
This Bodhisattva always carries a book in her hand, granting mastery of all learning to those who lack it and bestowing unparalleled wisdom upon those who are foolish due to a lack of wisdom – the Wisdom Avalokiteśvara.
Her compassionate appearance, like a bridge connecting the sea and the sky, made me deeply reaffirm that my prayer was not in vain.
The Sound of the Bell Resounding Over the Sea
"The wish flows far, far away with the waves."
Standing at the bell pavilion of Huhuam Temple and ringing the golden bell, its resonance mixed with the waves and spread further and further away.
May the resonance of prayer reach someone's life and become a small strength...
Liberation, a Prayer to Save Lives
"A small life that survives is the seed of prayer."
Life wriggles inside a small bucket.
Releasing the small fish that would soon return to the sea, I offered my blessings.
At that moment, something heavy in my heart flowed away with them.
To the Great Dragon God of the East Sea,
Through the majestic power of the Three Jewels and the miraculous protection of the Dragon God,
May the fish that will be free today be liberated from the suffering of reincarnation,
And may all the sentient beings gathered here be reborn in paradise with pure faith...
Watching the small life leaping into the blue waves, I, Pyungsan Baksu of Hwanghae-do Manshin Subok Sindang, felt a lightness as if I too were being reborn.
A Renewed Resolution Before the Sea
"Prayer renews my life even after it is over."
Before the endless sea of the East Sea, I folded my hands one last time.
And I resolved in my heart:
"Prayer is a continuous realization."
Reflecting on my posture, my mindset, and my thoughts, I gain the strength to live a new tomorrow.
The Resonance of Prayer Does Not Stop
Today's liberation prayer at Huhuam Temple does not end as a mere act of one day.
In the sound of the bell, the waves, and the breath of the small fish, the prayer is still alive and breathing.
I hope that you, who are reading this, will also plant the seed of prayer in your hearts.
That prayer will surely reach and become the strength to gradually change your life.
For your life,
A person who cautiously asks for the will of the spirits,
Pyungsan Baksu of Hwanghae-do Manshin Subok Sindang in Juan.
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