Exploring the Tranquil Gakyun Temple in Goesan
[Goesan Travel]
Must-Visit Places in Goesan County
A temple journey perfect for walking in May: Gakyun Temple
In May, when the greenery fills the earth, I sought the ancient Gakyun Temple nestled in the deep valleys of Goesan, Chungbuk, in search of peace for my soul.
Upon entering the temple gate, I was welcomed by the elegant and dignified Iljumun gate, proudly standing before travelers.
Seeing the inscription 'Bogaesan Gakyun Temple' on the signboard made me feel that I had finally stepped away from the hustle and bustle of the world into the serene embrace of the temple.
As I passed through the Iljumun gate and entered the temple grounds, I found myself surrounded by lush green mountains, as if Bogaesan was gently cradling the temple.
The first thing that caught my eye as I entered the courtyard was the colorful lanterns stretching under the blue sky. With Buddha's Birthday approaching, the lanterns installed throughout the grounds swayed gracefully in the breeze, creating a stunning scene.
At the top of the high stone stairs in front stood Daeungjeon, the main hall of Gakyun Temple, majestically. The subtle hues of the long-standing dancheong and the ornate decorations harmonized, conveying a deep sense of historical depth.
Against the backdrop of the blue sky and green mountain ridges, Daeungjeon rises like a perfect painting. The spacious courtyard below is meticulously swept, making each step feel both cautious and reverent.
On one side of the Daeungjeon courtyard stands the bell pavilion, showcasing intricate dancheong. Under the roof, the four musical instruments—bell, dharma drum, mokgeo, and yunpan—are enshrined side by side.
As I carefully examined the large dharma drum with its preserved leather texture and the intricately carved mokgeo, I could almost hear the majestic sounds that would resonate in the early morning and evening.
I collected my thoughts and stepped inside the hall for a moment of worship. Inside Daeungjeon, the golden three Buddha statues looked down benevolently upon the sentient beings, supported by splendid paintings that created a majestic atmosphere.
The ceiling, adorned with numerous colorful lanterns, illuminated the interior brightly, adding to the solemnity.
A treasure that should not be missed at Gakyun Temple is the stone statue of Vairocana Buddha enshrined in the Virojeon. Upon entering Virojeon, you are greeted by the intricately carved stone statue of Vairocana Buddha against a unique oval halo.
As I gazed at the Buddha's face, who was in deep meditation with hands folded, I experienced a mystical moment where all my worries and anxieties seemed to wash away. Sitting quietly under the colorful lanterns, I took some time for reflection.
On my way out after exploring the grounds, I encountered blooming lotus flowers around the well, beautifully arranged. The lotus flower, named for its resemblance to the curly hair of Buddha, shone brightly in the warm May sunshine.
The white blooms nestled among the green leaves harmonized perfectly with the temple's ambiance, prompting me to linger and capture the moment with my camera.
A sip of the cool, pure spring water refreshed me, making me feel completely rejuvenated.
Next to Virojeon stands a 350-year-old, 18-meter tall Bodhi tree. This mighty tree, stretching its branches toward the sky, has silently witnessed the rise and fall of the temple.
Standing under its wide shade, providing a generous resting place for travelers, I welcomed the cool mountain breeze of Bogaesan, realizing this is true healing.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224289910459
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