Friday night/Saturday morning: We stayed at Sudeoksa Temple in Geumsana which is actually not too far from Gwangju, but because we (my friend Shanna and I) went through a tour group we had to catch a super early bus. The bus was at 4:30 in the morning and of course because I was so anxious about catching the bus and bringing the correct things I didn't sleep much. I mean...I didn't want to offend anyone by accidently bringing an item that was frowned upon. So I carefully packed that night and tried to get as much rest as possible. Unfortunately, 3 am came faster than I wanted. As for traveling to Seoul everything went smoothly. We arrived at the bus terminal on time with enough time to get breakfast.
Saturday: Six hours later we finally arrived at the temple, but first things first. Orientation. This included a meet and greet, handing out the monastic wear, settling in our rooms and of course a welcome. After completing the basics we went right into learning how to properly bow.
Next, the thing I was at the same time dreading and ecstatic for - completing the 108 bows. Our instructor again carefully explained with every bow to add a bead to our string. She also reinsured us if we are unable to complete all bows this was ok, which was definitely reassuring to hear. Then the bowing began. I would say about 50 bows in my lower back began to kill me. I literally thought I slipped a disk and was already thinking of ways to handle the situation. If I really did slip a disk everything will be fine. I'll just go to the doctor and that's it. What if I can't work? Should I stop? No keep going. you really want to do this. Just keep going. Damn, this really hurts. I'm sure I'm fine. Just working muscles I don't use. What number is this now? We had to of reached 100. MY BACK IS KILLING ME. I'm not sure if this is what enlightenment feels like, but a light bulb went off. HELLO ANGEL, you're lifting with your back and not with your legs. Once I realized this and switched lifting techniques the pain resided. You would think my experience working in a Physical/Occupational Therapy clinic would prepare me better for bowing, but it didn't.
Unfortunately I did not complete all 108 bows. I stayed on the ground a few times to get a quick break. However, I did finish adding beads to my necklace and by the end of the session I was soaking with sweat, sore and full of amazement that I had just taken part in pure awesomeness. To finish off the evening we were left with a silent dinner, Yebul Ceremonial Service (chanting) and tea/conversation with a few monks. Dinner was actually hard. First, you must finish all food. Monks do not believe in wasting food, so what's taken must all be eaten. Second, it was silent. There were random chit chatting by others, but our group was instructed to not talk once entering the dining area. I don't consider myself a talker and actually prefer to not talk at times. It was still surprisingly very difficult. I really wanted to talk and actually did a few times. Whoops.
Later that night the group had tea with about seven or eight monks. Most were from Russia and Poland, but the master was Korean. I suppose they came since they could speak English. By this time I was pretty tired and was working extremely hard to keep my eyes open. I was sore, sweaty, and exhausted from traveling, lack of sleep and the bows, but I still really enjoyed sitting and having tea with them. Not only did they have amazing things to say and advice to offer, they were hilarious and full of life. One of my favorite things one of the monks said, "Your future doesn't create you, you create your future." Prior to saying this he was talking about how our outcome in life has already been decided. Buddhist believe in reincarnation and karma. If you were bad and sinned in a previous life then you will pay for this in your next life. In this next life, although your future has already been decided, this doesn't mean you should let this define you. If you are reincarnated and paying for bad karma you can still do good with this life. While I don't necessarily believe in reincarnation I do believe what has happened and will happen in my life is meant to occur. This includes both the good and the bad things; and because these things are already planned as my future I shouldn't let this shape who I am.So again, "your future does not create you, you create your future."
Sunday: Another bright and early morning. We awoke at 3 am to shower and get ready for dawn Yebul. We took part in morning prayer, which of course included more bowing and chanting. We also watched a drum ceremony and than participated in a walking meditation that lead into sitting meditation. I personally really enjoyed meditating; I saw it as another opportunity to clear my mind. After meditation came silent breakfast accompanied by a monk. The breakfast was very interesting. There are certain ways to set your bowls in front of you, serve the food and even how to finish the meal. At the end, everyone was given tea to rinse out their bowls. After rinsing the bowls we drank the tea; this ensures you were able to get every last piece of food. Following breakfast we went on a hike (literally up the mountain) and ended our time making lotus flowers.
Overall the stay was a success. I met some amazing people and had a wonderful time. If I had the chance I would definitely do it all over again. I actually hope to one day complete a longer stay.
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