Finding Serenity at Seowonsa Temple
When you want to escape the busy routine of daily life and find peace of mind, where do you usually go?
I don't have a specific religion, but I often visit temples that are nestled in the mountains and do not impose on visitors.
Recently, I believe that the public's perception and expectations of Buddhism align closely with this sentiment.
In Songak-eup, Dangjin-si, there is a humble and beautiful temple called Seowonsa, quietly located at the foot of Oryongsan Mountain, surrounded by lush green forests. While the name may be unfamiliar to many, it has been a comforting presence for the local residents for many years. As the greenery reaches its peak, let's take a serene walk through the temple grounds, accompanied by the clear sounds of nature.
Seowonsa is not a large temple with many buildings. The closest structure to the mountain is the 'Dharma Hall' where ceremonies are held.
Below the Dharma Hall, there is a large 'Yosa' (accommodation for monks), and a separate parking space for visitors is conveniently provided beneath it.
Although the temple is situated on a slope that requires climbing, the beautiful flowers along the path helped ease the fatigue.
About halfway up the incline, you'll encounter the 'Yosa' building.
The Yosa serves as a living space for monks, where they reside and engage in daily activities such as meditation, meals, and bathing.
Due to its mountain location, turning around from the Yosa offers a stunning view of Songak-eup. On the day of my visit, the morning mist and light rain added to the mystical and beautiful ambiance.
Seowonsa is said to have been founded by a monk named Lee Dae-in shortly after the Korean War. He reportedly brought a statue of Avalokiteshvara and, while searching for a site for the temple, chose the location at the foot of Oryongsan, where five dragons face each other, symbolized by the surrounding peaks.
In front of Seowonsa, there is a stone pagoda, and additional parking space is available nearby. The tranquility of the mountain made it a healing space where only the sound of the wooden fish drum from ceremonies could be heard. I found myself sitting quietly for a long time, enjoying the peace.
Strolling through the tidy courtyard of Seowonsa and feeling the refreshing breeze from Oryongsan clears my mind. This place may not be grand or filled with dazzling attractions like famous temples, but its simplicity allows for a deeper appreciation of nature's sounds and offers a precious opportunity to focus on personal time. The gentle sounds of the wooden fish drum and nature resonate like a comforting reminder that it’s okay to take a break in our busy lives.
Sometimes, a space that resembles nature can leave a deeper impression than a lavish tourist spot. If you're having a particularly noisy day, consider setting aside your map and heading to the tranquil Seowonsa. In the quiet moments, breathing in the green energy of Oryongsan, you can replenish your warmth and peace to face daily life again.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224326643292
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