Korean Summer Study Programme

Sunmudo: Meditation in Martial Arts

2011-06-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

As a part of our temple stay in Bulgulsa temple in Gyeongju we had the opportunity to experience a traditional Korean martial art called Sunmudo. Sunmudo is a training method that Buddhist monks used throughout Korean history as early as the Shilla dynasty in 57 BCE-935 CE (http://www.sunmudo.com/). This martial art combines yoga style postures and and dynamic and powerful movements of the body. Sunmudo literally means “the way of doing meditative martial arts” (http://www.sunmudo.com/). Let me gloss this Korean word. The word ‘sun’ has its origins in Sanskrit and derives from the word “dhyana” (meditation). The term ‘mu’ means martial art. The word ‘do’ means the way.
Hundreds of years ago, monks used to practise Sunmudo when they were soldiers. This ancient Martial Art was revived in 20th century. In the late 1980s Grandmaster Jeog Un Sunim introduced Sunmudo to the public. In the 1990s he established Bulgulsa as the headquarters for Sunmudo. Now people who visit the temple have an opportunity to take part in the Sunmudo practice.
I enjoyed the Sunmudo practice very much because it combined dynamic exercises with postures and movements that help us build up strength as well as flexibility. Some of the exercises reminded me of Ashtanga yoga. At the end of the practice, however, we all gathered into a circle and performed controlled, slow meditative movements that were completely new to me. After we returned to England, I tried to find a Sunmudo community in Bath so that I could incorporate Sunmudo into my personal life. Unfortunately I could not find any Sunmudo communities in UK. According to the website “Sunmudo.com” there are Sunmudo centers outside Korea in France, Austria and United States. I hope one day Sunmudo would become more widely known so that it benefits others as much as it benefitted me.

Commentary by Maija Rautemaa
Link of the Photograph: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korea-Gyeongju-Golgulsa-Sunmudo-06.jpg

Women, Honour and Korean Patriarchy

2011-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

In Gyeongju, we had several healthy and delicious vegetarian meals. In our meals together, our guide, Mr. Truman Kim, told us about Korean culture, history and beliefs. In Korea even numbers are considered feminine and odd numbers masculine. According to Mr. Kim because we are living now in an even numbered century—century of women—in which more and more women are getting into high ranking positions in politics and leadership.

At one time, Mr. Kim told us about the Silla dynasty and honour. According to Mr. Kim, during the Silla Dynasty women carried daggers close to their chest in case of an attack by a man from invading forces. I thought that it was meant for self-defence but Mr. Kim clarified that it was for the women to maintain their honour by committing suicide if they were raped. This led us to a long discussion about the whole concept of honour, shame and equality between men and women. There emerged the cultural differences between traditional Korean thinking and Western way of life. Even though I got the impression that things are coming closer to a western way of thinking in Korea the so called traditional divide between men and women is still there. Women are considered to be the experts on domestic life and men in charge of life outside the home. Korea seems still very patriarchal: women are expected first and foremost to be wives and mothers who take care of the home while men go out to the world to earn a living for the family.

Commentary by Maija Rautemaa

Korean Popular Music K-pop

2011-06-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

When in Korea, one thing that one cannot avoid is Korean popular music widely known as K-pop. Most of the time, the songs are sung in Korean but surprisingly artists sometimes sing in English, too. The music takes inspiration from the western genre of RnB and Hiphop. Koreans have added their own style to make the songs their own. Songs are heard in train stations, supermarkets, shops, bus stations and buses. No doubt the Koreans certainly love their music. One of the most popular songs at the time of our travel was ‘Good Girl, Bad Girl’ of the Korean girl band known as ‘Miss A.’ A popular artist in Korea today is Rain. He is a renowned actor, having appeared in a couple of Hollywood films including ‘Speed Racer’ (2008). His popular songs include ‘I’m Coming’ and ‘Rainism.’

Commentary by Zaina Budaly

Departing Seoul and Last Reflections

2011-06-09T02:48:00.000-07:00

The last day in Seoul! I spent my last day in South Korea experiencing the things that most Korean girls would experience on a Saturday away from school. I got up early and packed things ready to leave for the next day. The flight was going to be long; my in-flight bag was broken and decided to buy things to keep me entertained for the flight. I went and had breakfast in a cafe just around the corner. I desperately needed a new bag for the flight. I went to Myeongdong to buy a bag. Once I finished shopping, I had the last Korean Meal in a self-service restaurant in the centre of Myeongdong. I was quite sad that it was probably the last chance to ever experience Korean food, and made the most of it by eating quite a lot!

After the meal went to the cinema to watch Inception. As a cinema employee it was almost a nice bridge between being in Korea and being at home. The cinema was very big (6 floors) and the cinema screens were very big. The Inception was screened in English with Korean subtitles.

After the film was over, I grabbed some snack foods for dinner and headed back to the guesthouse. With my team, I discussed how the trip had gone, sitting in the park just behind the guesthouse. We all had really enjoyed this once in a lifetime opportunity. We felt we had experienced a lot of different aspects of Korean life. Although stressful at times, the experience taught us a lot about the Eastern culture and its values. If we had another opportunity we would have gone again and may have done things differently. We would not give up a chance to explore South Korea once more.

Commentary by Lydia Braisby
3rd Year Study of Religions

Shamanism at Work: Women in Trance

2011-06-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

August 2010, Gyeongju, South Korea
While we were in the British Council funded education abroad programme in South Korea, our team spent nearly a week outside Seoul in the ancient capital Gyeongju and stayed at the Dongguk University's sister campus. Because of a friendship developed with Dr. Deegalle, Mr. Truman Kim, a professional tourist guide, guided us through beautiful spots in Gyeongju and surrounding areas for a few days.

Mr. Kim showed us many great places in the coastal areas of Gyeongju. On one of our short trips we went to visit the beautiful traditional temple of Shilla on Ham Wol Mountain called Ki Rim Sa. The drive up to the temple was long serpentine road curving through the beautiful, rugged forest hills. Once we had finally reached the top we were up for another climb by foot. Finally we reached the top and a beautiful area unfolded in front of us. We walked around admiring the architecture of the area, its beautiful gardens and ancient buildings. The temple there grows vegetables and tea. We were offered tea that was prepared and served in traditional Korean way.

After the visit to the temple Mr. Kim took us to a beach by the sea of Japan. This beach was rather quiet. We witnessed Shamanist women performing Shamanist rituals. That beach is known for such Shamanist practices. Some of them were very close to the shore line sitting on a blanket and others a bit further away on an elevated platform. They were all facing towards the sea, in pairs or alone with plenty of different kind of offerings (fruits, sweets, fish, etc.) scattered around them. They were playing drums and chanting continuously. It was fascinating to watch their trance like state into which they seemed to have got in successfully.

Commentary and Photos by Maija Rautemaa
3rd Year Media Communications and Creative Writing

Aromatic Korean Dishes

2011-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Before leaving Korea, Min Ju, my host family guide, gave me a couple of very easy Korean recipes to try at home. (a) One of the recipes was for making the Korean ravioli also known as Man-doo-guk. Man-doo-guk is popular as a New Year’s Day food. It is served with rice cakes.

(b) I learnt to make Bi-Bim-Bop. To make Bi-Bim-Bop, one needs rice, vegetables, beef or chicken (can be Vegetarian also), sesame oil and red pepper paste (Go-chu-ang). They can be mixed in a hot bowl. This was one of my favourite dishes in Korea along with the South Korean barbeque.

(c) I also received a recipe to make ‘Baek-suk,’ a well seasoned Korean-style chicken soup. For this a whole chicken is stuffed with ginseng, milk and Chinese Pearl Barley. It can be seasoned if desired. It needs to be boiled for 50 minutes until chicken is cooked and becomes tender. It can be served with plain rice. The water used for cooking the chicken becomes the soup. It can be seasoned with salt and pepper.

Commentary by Zaina Budaly, 2nd Year Creative Writing
Photos by Dr Mahinda Deegalle

Our Visit of Korean Churches in Seoul

2011-04-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to receive the British Council Grant and be part of the Bath Spa team that visited Dongguk University for studies in Summer 2010. I took the opportunity to do things that I liked to do in Korea.

Before my arrival in Seoul, I expected to see a completely different form of Christianity. To my surprise, there were only very few and minor differences. Though Christianity is newer to South Korea, the tradition still remains the same. To a greater extent, it exists in harmony with Buddhism.

On 27th July, some of us visited several churches. Our first destination was Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral. The cathedral was situated at the top of a small hill in the middle of the city, amongst busy shops and restaurants. An English speaking Korean woman, who was handing out leaflets about the service we wanted to attend, greeted us. An Irish priest led the mass in English. The church was so big. There were plasma TVs mounted on pillars for all to see the service. Once the service was over we were able to take photos of the Cathedral and walk around. We didn’t have long time as people were beginning to fill the church ready for the next service.

After the lunch break we visited the Seoul Anglican Cathedral. The architecture of the building was very Romanesque and grand. The service that was going on inside the church had been recorded and played on loudspeakers. Although the service that we attended was conducted in Korean, we learnt from one of the regular churchgoers that there was an English mass every Sunday morning.

We finished our day of exploration by visiting the Catholic Martyr Museum. We expected to see a building full of information about the numerous Martyrs who died during the times when Christianity was introduced to Korea. To our surprise, the museum in fact turned out to be mainly a shrine. There was a large and beautifully kept garden full of statues and pictures of Korean and European Martyrs. At the centre, there was a monument, which we could climb in order to get a closer view of the river running by just the other side of the road.

Lydia Braisby
3rd Year, Study of Religions
8th April 2011

Students Encountering War

2010-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

In Seoul, we visited many places. Our visit to Seodaemon Prison stands out as a powerful experience. We learnt about the history of war in Korea; we heard a lot of narratives of innocent being imprisoned. We saw prison cells and their reconstructions. The atmosphere was sad but full of admiration for those who suffered.
Commentary by Caroline Quin, Year 2, Study of Religions
Saturday, 25 July 2009
We visited War Museum and looked the war memorial and were really taken aback. We could not believe how many soldiers (USA/UK) died helping Korea. It was really shocking to see the names up there. Commonwealth countries and neighbors had helped fight against the North. We were stunned by the names of Koreans who died; the names just did not end; it was frightening.

There were huge statues of brothers hugging; apparently one was from the North and the other was from the South. It was sad to look up at their embrace and imagine how war can tear families against one another.
Commentary by Angharad John, Year 2, Philosophy and Ethics
Photos by Dr. M. Deegalle

Bulguksa, Seokguram and Gyeongju: A Student's View

2010-05-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

20 July 2009

We spent two nights in Busan. Then we travelled to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, known as "the museum without walls," which is my favourite part of the trip away so far.

The landscape was beautiful, for starters there are no skyscrapers and all the buildings reflect a traditional Korean style. Roofs of the buildings are similar to the ones in temples and palaces. The rest of the landscape is paddy fields and other agriculture set against a backdrop of mountains. I will definitely come back again; it was the kind of landscape I had been hoping to see. The area holds a lot of sites of historical or religious importance.

We visited Bulguksa temple here which was great before heading up the mountain (in a car) to see the famous Seokguram Grotto which holds one of the national treasures, the Sakyamuni Buddha statue (mid-8th century CE) within a cave. This was indeed beautiful.

From the car park, we took a short walk through the forest before heading up to the Grotto. First we reached a small temple on the way. As you look up from there, you can see the temple style entrance to the cave nestled in the mountain. On our way up it was pretty misty so it looks really mysterious and extremely atmospheric. The statue I expected to be bigger in some ways and it was protected behind glass, but I can easily imagine being there with no tourists and nothing covering the entrance of the cave and just sitting next to the Buddha watching out over the mountainside!

Commentary by Helena Stokes, Year 3, Creative Writing and Media Communications
Photos by Dr. M. Deegalle

Temple Stay in Angharad's Eyes

2010-05-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 15 July 2009

Ding, ding, ding, BANG BANG BANG, BOOOOOSSSSHHHHH

That is what woke me up at 2.30 a.m. A monk was going round temple buildings with a bell, chanting Buddhist sutras and playing a wooden ritual instrument. My three-hour sleep was bizarre mainly due to the fact that we were sleeping in a temple, on the floor in Korean temple style. Everyone was getting up. I put my stuff away into the locker and went to the main temple with other girls and started our prostrations and prayers. We had done mantras and full prayer prostrations for about 20+ times. Then we were ushered out into the courtyard. We were arranged into pairs and one by one went up to the temple bell tower. We were given the opportunity to slam a huge piece of wood into a massive bell. It was really quite loud and meant to call the monks and nuns to prayer. I tried to bang it as loud as I could but the piece of wood took me with it and my attempt was quite feeble. I walked with the others up to main temple and we began to recite mantras and prayers again. I felt really faint as this was about 5 a.m.; we had not eaten or drunk; we had to keep getting up and down. This was for an hour or so; we were lucky as we had a nun in front of us; we just imitated her the entire time.

After morning prayers we got back to the main hall; we were greeted by the most awesome monk ever who had this tinkle in his eye. He taught us this really fun meditation; he spoke in such a way that we did not need a translator. We were shown some Buddhist self-defence using the international guy as 'a bad man'. We also did some crazy exercises that made everyone laugh, like swinging our arms, doing some sort of Judo-Ballet combination; it was just too funny. I wish we had filmed it. Afterwards he let us meditate' by lying on the floor and closing our eyes. We did this novel meditation practice for an hour; we had free time afterwards.

The big dong rang again for breakfast; we all hurried to find...Babimbap. I had some rice; I was told it was bad to waste any. It was really annoying as it had these horrible beans in it. I also had some water and tea. Caroline had the same; afterwards we washed our plates out the back and said thank you for the meal.

Commentary by Angharad John, Year 2, Philosophy and Ethics
Photo by Dr. M. Deegalle

Helena's Experience in Bus Travel and the Host Family

2010-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today is my fourth day in Seoul (2nd July 2009). I am starting to feel a lot more settled. Last few days we had lectures and meetings of our Bath Spa team. We have now planned our schedule of activities. I live with a host family. My host is a 25 year old Dongguk University student called Yoony. Yoony is lovely. It is quite nice that it is only two of us in the house. Next week her father will visit us for a few days. It is good to meet some of her family. On my first day I had to find my way to the university by myself as Yoony had a class at a different University. I was a little worried at first, as Seoul is very big and quite hectic. It turned out fine though we had walked to the bus stop only the night before. I found my way to the right bus, and Yoony had written my stop in Korean to show the driver. I tried to get off at the wrong stop, however, as I heard the announcement for Donkkuk University (I was going to Dongguk for morning lectures). As soon as I stepped off I saw the wrong name on the bus stop but luckily the bus driver beeped the horn and made me get back on. I was very lucky and glad that I had the stop written in Korean! The photo here is with my host, Yoony.
Commentary by Helena Stokes, Year 3, Creative Writing and Media Communications

Caroline's Experiences in Korea

2010-05-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

My visit to Korea was the first to Asia. Like others in the team, I experienced initial culture shocks. After recovering from jet lag and receiving warm and comforting welcome from my host family in Seoul, I soon felt relaxed and began to experience the life-style of Koreans first hand. The members of our team were extremely supportive and we began to film and record events of our experience in Korea as a team. Every day, I waited for an adventure! This photo was taken towards the end of our educational tour in Gyonju after visiting an impressive Buddha statue with Helena and Angharad.
Caroline Quin, Year 2, Study of Religions

The History of Wookblocks of Korean Buddhist Canon

2009-10-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

We were privileged to learn from Professor Robert Buswell of University of California Los Angeles who gave us many lectures on Buddhism in Korea. His lectures lasted two weeks. This video clip captures Professor Buswell's explanation of the history of making the woodblock prints of Korean Buddhist Canon. The Tripitaka Koreana made of woodblocks is a national treasure in Korea and an amazing achievement of the past. The Unesco World Heritage temple Haeinsa holds 81,340 woodblocks today. It took 16 yeas to complete the woodblocks.

Experiencing Religion, Culture and Society in Korea: A Spa Journey 2008

2009-10-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

This is the DVD produced for the undergraduate module SR3028 Religion, Culture and Society in Korea organized by Dr. Mahinda Deegalle. It is a reedited version to place in the web. For the first time, a team of Bath Spa students went to Korea in June 2008 for one month to initiate the international exchange between Bath Spa University and Dongguk University. This programme has been funded twice now by the British Council and as a result, it has become an important part of international education programme in the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries as well as Bath Spa University. Now every year we welcome several Korean students from Dongguk University to our programmes at Bath Spa. We are also now in the process of producing another DVD this year on the basis of our journey to Korea in July 2009.

Food with Flavour and Aesthetics

2009-10-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

In Korea, food has flavour as well as aesthetics. The national staple Kimchi was a main part of diet as it is today. A side dish of spiced Kimchi was found in all three meals. To sustain life in long winters a variety of vegetables traditionally were preserved in jars like this.

Deegalle on Bath Spa 'Study of Religions and Ethics" and International Programme

2009-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Deegalle describes his research activities and the "Study of Religions and Ethics" degree programme at Bath Spa University with new developments of expanding international cooperation to Korea with a student exchange with Dongguk University, South Korea funded by the British Council.

Experiences Remembered!

2009-09-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Korean Cultural Centre in Trafalgar Square in London. Suddenly I remembered my favourite food and sites that I was familiar with when I visited Seoul a few weeks early. Perhaps, our students too have memories to cherish! Many dishes to taste! Many photos to take!!

Temple Stay at Yongjusa

2009-07-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Bath Spa team spent one-night temple stay at Yongjusa temple in Kyunggi on 14-15 July 2009. This was an special occasion since Angharad had a special cake for her birthday. The activities included the participation in the tea ceremony, making lotus lanterns, making a rosary, a meditation session with yogic exercise and a tour in the temple which included printing Buddhist scriptures. Keel University students joined Bath Spa team.

International Conference on Buddhist Meditation

2009-07-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

On 13th July 2009, Dr. Deegalle participated in the International Conference on "Buddhist Meditation in Theory and Practice" hosted by BK21 Buddhist Studies in a Global Age of Dongguk University. Dr. Deegalle was the discussent for the paper on "The Theory and Practice of Meditation" deliverded by Professor Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne). Professor Robert Buswell (UCLA) presented a paper on "Kanhwa Son" meditation and the speakers were introduced by Professor Yong-pyo Kim of Dongguk University, Director of Brain Korea 21.

European Buddhism TV Documentary

2009-07-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Buddhist Telivision Network in Seoul invited Dr. Deegalle to appear in their TV documentary on European Buddhism that is under production now. The interview was held on Friday 10 July at the studio in Seoul. The TV crew plans to travel in Europe for one month from the middle of July. The documentary is produced by Mr. Burn-Soo Kim.

Trying out warrior dress

2009-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

As a part of summer school excursion, Professor Bronkhorst, Lucy and Helena did not forget to try out what it means to be a warrior even for a moment in a hot day!

2009-07-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Office of International Programs and Education at Dongguk University hosted a special feast for the visiting scholars today at Sky Garden Italien Restaurant. The present were (from left to right): Professor Il-Chung Kim (Host and Dean, Office of International Programs and Education, Dongguk University), Professor Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne, Switzerland), Professor Sangbeom Koo (Dongguk University), Professor Jae Soh (Seoul Institute of the Arts), Mr. Sang Yoo Kim (Dongguk University), Dr. Mahinda Deegalle (Bath Spa University), Dr. Ian Simm (Director, British Council in Korea), Ms. Seungeun Chang (Assistant Director, British Council in Korea), and Dr. Nick Bently (Keel University).

Meeting a Famous Korean Film Director

2009-07-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

One week almost has passed. We have been busy. We have done a lot of things within this week. We had a rare opportunity on 3rd July 2009. Korean film director, Mr. Lee Myung-se came to give us a lecture on his work and I was able to present the last year's DVD. He is considering producing a film on Buddhism in future.

Second Team of Bath Spa Students in Seoul

2009-06-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

The day rainy season began (29 June 2009), in the early morning when we arrived in Seoul Incheon International Airport by Air France from Paris. Perhaps, one could say we brought the rain, thunderstorm or whatelse from Europe!! The photograph shows the student team having coffee at London Heathrow Airport before departure to Paris on 28th June.

Today is a heated day (from British standards and not by any means from East Asian regularities). Though now when I write this to the Blog, cool breeze comes through the temple window of a ground floor room in Jeong Hye Sa temple of Venerable Dr. Chongdok Sunim who has kindly agreed to support me by providing temple accommodation. I already got the beauty (or 'worth' in capitalist terms!) of staying in a temple when I had a communal meal in a circular table with four monks. This is also a modern temple built in 1998 in Ilsan area of Seoul. Hope to bring a lot of news on this temple very soon again perhaps with pictures (though sadly I decided deliberately to give some rest to my Canon Powershot G7 which is inevitably essential for this Blog posting).

The students who came with me are now with host families (perhaps in sleep now recovering from long jet ride via Paris); Though not sure 100%, perhaps, their first day in life, with long lasting memories, living for a month in a non-British Asian family. Rather than putting forwarding my ideosyncratic predictions, let us wait what they come up it in the coming weeks. To all those who supported us this year, thanks and greetings from Seoul from one without a 'soul.'

The 2009 Team is Ready to Go to Korea

2009-05-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

We are now ready to leave for Korea. This year's team consists of Dr. Deegalle, Lucy, Gina, Angharad, Caroline and Helena. It is a mixed group. Some are experienced travelers, others are novices to the trade. However, all are keen to learn and experience Korea. They are looking forward to engage in creative activities while carrying out fieldwork observations in Seoul. Students have already received orientation sessions and technical training in the Broadcasting Lab of the University and have been reading materials to familiarise themselves with Korea. We had close contacts with Korean students who have been visiting us for the past year from Dongguk University. They are happy and expecting to return to Korea soon. Our team is looking forward to seeing their home instition in Seoul and religious observations of modern Korea. We will keep you posted our progress.

DVD Launching Day

2008-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

On 1 December 2008, the DVD entitled Religion, Culture and Society in Korea was screened at Bath Spa University. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan and the Head of School of Historical and Cultural Studies, Professor Fiona Montgomery, attended the event. The DVD was well received by the keen audience including Korean students who are visiting Bath Spa in this academic year.

Launching the DVD on Korean Summer Study

2008-11-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

After several months of work, finally, we are ready to launch our DVD "Experiencing Religion, Culture and Society in Korea." In a special celebration to be held in the Main House of Bath Spa University, the DVD, which gathers some of the experiences of one month fieldwork of Bath Spa University students' fieldwork in Seoul, Korea, will be screened on 1 December 2008.

Hospitality in Jungtosa and Getting Ready for Departure from Seoul

2008-07-31T01:05:00.000-07:00

My last day in Seoul was a special day. It was Tuesday 29th July. Ven. Han Bo Kwang had invited Ven. Misan, Ven. Chongdok and me to visit his temple, Jungtosa, which is dedicated for Pure Land practices. At the time of our visit, the temple had begun 100,000 chanting of nembutsu (recitation of the name) of Amida Buddha of Western Paradise (sukhavati). When we arrived in Jungtosa, Ven. Bo Kwang, who is also the Director of Electronic Buddhist Text Institute (EBTI) and Professor of Department of Zen Studies with specialization of Dogen studies at Dongguk University, welcomed us and performed the traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, we were invited for a special lunch offered on Lotus leaf with noodles made of Lotus. This was an extraordinary treat. As a Sri Lankan, I had heard that eating from Lotus leaf was very common in ancient Sri Lanka but had no previous experience of such a lunch. After lunch we returned to Dongguk University for Ven. Misan's lecture on Seon Meditation practice. I had a busy evening with farewell parties and meetings and receiving gifts. The patrons of Sangdo Meditation Center offered me a special cake, special music with Piano playing and a gift that reminds me of the search for bodhi.

Time to Say 'Good Bye' to Seoul

2008-07-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

With long lasting memories, experiences and new friendships created over a one-month period, we left Seoul on 30th July at 11.15 a.m. by Finnair flight to Helsinki. We did not forget to record some of the things that we saw in the Incheon airport in Seoul. One could see the team is busy in negotiating packing issues and the things that want to buy at last minute. Duty Free shops still remain the temptation even after one-month of shopping in Seoul! Now we are safely back at home and plan to keep you informed of some of our memories in Seoul in the past month.

Dongguk University Students who Plan to Study at Bath Spa

2008-07-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Five undergraduate students from Dongguk University plan to study for a year at Bath Spa University in the Presessional Summer Programme and undergraduate programme in 2008-9. Today Bath Spa 'orange' team met Dongguk University students and had lunch together at the Italian Restaurant called 'Kitchen' located within the University premises. The Dongguk students who plan to travel to England this weekend are (i) Sung Il, (ii) Jung-ju, (iii) Kowa, (iv) Saehee, and (v) Ye Ji.

Visiting Chun-Ma Rehabilitation Center in Busan

2008-07-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

From 25-27 July, I spent time in Busan. I was invited by Professor Soonil Hwang and his elder sister Ms. So Jin Hwang to visit Chun-Ma Rehabilitation Center which provides facilities for nearly 200 inmates with over 40 full-time staff. What is fascinating about this center is that the inmates are good at producing ceramics. All are participating in center's activities including the worship service at 7.45 am. I spend two nights in the center and was able to observe activities including taking one breakfast and lunch with the inmates. This center has its origin in 1960s. More can be obtained from http://www.chunmarc.com

Constructing the New Catalog for the Chinese Buddhist Canon

2008-07-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

An international workshop sponsored by Institute of Electronic Buddhist Texts & Culture Content of Dongguk University was held today under the title of "Constructing the New Catalog for the Chinese Buddhist Canon." This workshop was attended by scholars from Taiwan, Korea, USA, Hungry and UK. The keynote speaker was Professor Lewis Lancaster of University of California and the guests were welcome by Professor Bokwang Sunim, Director of EBTI at Dongguk University.

Wednesday Rehearsal of Old Wounds

2008-07-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Again and again Seoul convinces me that as a modern city, it has become the ideal place for free expression. Of course, a bus load of police is guarding the protesters but perhaps it is for protesters' safety.

Today is Wednesday and I did not forget to visit the site of Japanese embassy in Seoul. We have less than seven days to stay in Seoul and witness the rich heritage.

My Wednesday witness was a rehearsal of old wounds in public as protests. It was the issue of comfort women. Protesters on one side and police surrounded the crowd on all sides. It was an impressive performance.

Distinguished Lectures at Dongguk University

2008-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our stay in Seoul has been very productive. Within the last three weeks, in addition to our regular study programme, we had three special lectures by three distinguished international scholars. The Electronic Buddhist Texts & Culture Content / International Association for Buddhist Thought and Culture, BK21 Buddhist Studies in a Global Age sponsored the special lecture series.
(i) Professor Jens Braavig of Department of Cultural Studies and Oriental Languages of University of Oslo presented a paper on "Instruction to the Manuscripts of the Schoyen Collection" on 3 July 2008 and (ii) Professor Torkel Brekke of the same Department discussed a paper on "The Political Use of Buddhist Relics in Modern South Asia" on 2 July and (iii) Dr Peter Skilling of Ecole Française D'Extreme-Orient presented a paper on "The Life of the Buddha at Phanigiri in Andhra Pradesh" on 18 July.

Tuesday in Seoul

2008-07-22T07:35:00.001-07:00

Tuesday began with an early waking up. I arrived at Dongguk University at 9 a.m. to meet the guest lecturer, Mr. Hwangbo Jin (MA student in Indian Philosophy and Current Affairs and Documentaries Dept. Organizer of Munhwa Broadcasting Corp.) who lectured on Confucianism for our students. We had lunch with Professor Sun-Keun Kim (Professor of Indian Philosophy and President of Korea Association for Buddhist Studies) who has written extensively on Mahatma Gandhi, including The Philosophical Thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi (Vikas Publishing). Afternoon was the time to meet to Dr. Hanrok Kang who lectured on "Comfort Women" of Korea during foreign occupation. Our team met briefly to plan the rest of the week. I had a friendly conversation and tea with Professor Hwang and Professor Lewis Lancaster, formerly University of California, Berkeley. I spent evening walking around Myeong-dong area and captured popular culture and music of modern Korea. Everyone is dressed well in a festive fashion.

Nationalism and Democracy in Seoul

2008-07-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, Korea faced threats from her neighbours. Dongdaemun (Great East Gate) Park commemorates the national heroes. The prison in the park is a stark reminder of atrocities and memories of independence fighters. Even today, in the heart of Seoul, I witnessed a bold Korean expression of protest just beginning to get its shape before the arrival of riot Police in bus loads. Democracy is alive in this city!

Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture and Nuns' Cafe

2008-07-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

Since we arrived in Seoul on 30th June, we have been very busy. We visited many places and met many people who are interested in us. I have been late in reporting some of those important encounters and events. One of the first things that I did when I arrived in Seoul was meeting Ven. Dr. Misan Sunim. In the afternoon of 30th June, Professor Stephen F. Teiser (D.T. Suzuki Professor in Buddhist Studies, Princeton University, USA) who was teaching a summer course at Seoul National University, visited Sangdo Meditation Center and we were served tea by Misan Sunim in a traditional Buddhist manner. After visiting Sunim's temple, both of us were taken to Nuns' cafe located in another part of Seoul where we were served coffee by Buddhist nuns. This is a new development in modern Korean Buddhism to make Buddhism accessible to the public. The nuns' cafe is a very attractive place like the Sangdo Meditation Center. Both places are new. Misan Sunim invited both of us join him to visit Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture on 2nd July 2008. This research institute is a very special place. It was founded in 1990 by His Holiness Jikwan Sunim, the current President of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Its important research activity is compiling Kasan Encyclopedia of Buddhism. When we arrived at the Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture we were welcome by the Venerable nun Go OK, the present Director of the institute. We were given a warm reception. We had a tour of the research library and brief meetings with Korean researchers who work there. Our day there ended with an exquisite lunch. As a research institute, I was fascinated to learn about its resources. To my surprise, I learnt that the late Professor Heinz Bechert of University of Gottingen in Germany, who had contributed immensely to the study of Theravada Buddhism, had donated his vast collection of Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit and other library materials to Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture. We had a fruitful day in the company of a warm and generous gathering.

Loving-kindness and Community at Sangdo Meditation Center

2008-07-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

Ven. Dr. Misan, Professor of Sangha University and the abbot of Sangdo Meditation Center, where I have been staying in Seoul, invited me to deliver a dhamma talk today. My topic was: "Loving Kindness and Compassion as Foundational Values of the Middle Path."

The ceremony began with 108 bows, which is done meticulously by Buddhist practitioners in Korea in all occasions. Today's ceremony had many interesting aspects. There was the performance of the temple 'gandarva' musical group as well as the performance of a Korean Opera singer from California who performed three pieces including an Irish song at the end of the ceremony.

My speech was meticulously and beautifully translated into Korean language by Misan Sunim. The shrine room was full of devotees and there were several who were sitting and listening to the sermon outside the main entrance. At the end of ceremony, donations were placed in the donation box one by one and each person came round and greeted the monks and the fellow devotees.

After we all sat in a circle, all were served lotus tea and I could see the flower in the middle of each tea pot. There were custom-made special prayers at the end and I could hear my name is also inserted within the prayer by Misan Sunim.

This meditation center is very modern and the building was declared open last November. The temple complex itself is "posh" and beautifully decorated throughout using simple materials and by recycling old furniture but not compromising aesthetics.

The entire temple complex contains five floors and the shrine room is located underground. There is a special room dedicated for children and a quite active place throughout the day.

There are special programmes for children and young people. Modernity is taken into account and a delicate balance is maintained between the old and new.

Farewell Party for Gombrich and Graduation

2008-07-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

In the evening of 14th July, Professor Il Chung Kim, the Dean of the International Programs & Education at Dongguk University invited all the lecturers in the Summer School and his team of colleagues for a special farewell dinner at Sun and Moon Restaurant located at the National Gallery. It was a superb sign of warm hospitality and cordiality surrounding discussions on the significance of playing golf in modern Korea. We learnt a great deal on the influence of business practices on academy.

On 14th of July, Professor Gombrich left Seoul. In his absence, Dr. Deegalle delivered the last lecture entitled "Practising Buddhism in the Context of War: The Case of Sri Lanka in "The Buddha: Buddhist Thought & Culture" Lecture series.

Afterwards, Dr. Deegalle distributed the graduation certificates for the participants of the summer school. Ms. Hannah White, a third year Single Honours Study of Religions Students at Bath Spa University, who returned to England this week, also received the certificate for the completion of the two-weeks summer course.

Encounters in Korean Style Hospitality

2008-07-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening after Professor Hwang's introduction to Korean Religions and Culture which is stimulating and inspiring with a 'thick' description of Korean culture, we were invited by the Indian Philosophy team for a dinner and a visit to Insadong area with a special Korean style of hospitality. Unlike the rest of Seoul, Insadong area still retains remnants of the past. The narrow alleys are packed with shoppers, shops, restaurants and art galleries. I got an opportunity to share with you our rich encounters and experiences as you can see from the photographs.

Departure of One Orange Member

2008-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, Professor Richard Gombrich and Hannah left us. Now our "orange" team is reduced to six members. Hannhah returned to England after two weeks of study in Korea for attending the graduation on Saturday. She had fond memories of Seoul and wanted to reciprocate generosity that she received from those who she met during her stay in Seoul. In September, Hannah will attend to the PGCE course at Lady Margaret College, Oxford. The rest of the team is working on a common educational goal of understanding the lifestyles and customs in Korea.

Temple Stay at Yongjusa Monastery

2008-07-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today we spent time in Yongjusa Buddhist monastery in Gyeongi-do area as part of temple-stay programme. We left for the monastery yesterday evening; right after we arrived in the monastery, we were given lockers and needed utensils such as cups (one metal cup for drinking water and plastic cup for brushing and washing up). On the same evening, we were given a temple tour. We went to bed early around 9 p.m. and were happy to spent the night in the temple accommodation. We were provided sleeping bags.

Following morning, our day began at 3.00 a.m. with brushing teeth. First we participated in ringing the temple bell. From 3.40 a.m., we participate in the early morning chanting with the monks. Our Son meditation practice began at 4.00 a.m. which lasted until 5.00 a.m. Right after, we were given a tour of the temple premises. While at 6.00 a.m., we were served breakfast, our 'orange' team were initiated in the practice of sweeping temple grounds. This was a good opportunity for our team to learn how to use a broom to gather leaves on the temple ground.

We also had the opportunity to drink tea with the meditation teacher and the young lady who was responsible for our visit. We were served tea with Korean sweets.

After 9.30 a.m. we went for a visit to the tomb of Yungneung. After lunch, we also visited the temple museum and return backed to Seoul. This was an excellent opportunity to learn many Buddhist customs as well as some Confician practices and beliefs.

Meeting Indian Philosophy Students

2008-07-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Indian Philosophy students of Dongguk University and three Bath Spa Study of Religions students with Professor Hwang and Dr. Deegalle.

Indian Philosophy Students

2008-07-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Indian Philosophy students entertaining us in their research room at Dongguk University.

Tea with Indian Philosophy Students

2008-07-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today we met for afternoon tea with the graduate students of Indian Philosophy at Dongguk University. From left to right: (1) Yang, (2) Ryoo, (3) Bang, (4) Beopjin Sunim, (5) Hannah, (6) Catherine, and (7) Katharina.

Korean Academics Associated with Oxford

2008-07-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

This photo shows four Korean academics who have been closely associated with Professor Richard F. Gombrich and the Buddhist Studies Programme at Oxford University within the last fifteen years.

Meeting of His Holiness Ven. Jikwan Sunim

2008-07-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

In the evening of 12th July, I had the privilege of meeting the head monk of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Venerable Kasan Jikwan Sunim. Our delegation was consisted of Professor Richard F. Gombrich and distinguished Korean monks and scholars associated with Oxford University. We were welcome by his holiness in his private residence. Venerable Jikwan Sunim founded the Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture in 1990. It is a research institute dedicated to the study of Buddhism and in particular in compiling an-eighteen-volume Kasan Encyclopaedia of Buddhism in Korean language. Ten volumes have already been published. Venerable Jikwan Sunim is the Head of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Jogyesa is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and is located in the heart of Seoul city centre. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism represents the history and traditional culture of 1,700 years of the Korean Buddhism.

Shopping and Not-shopping: A Zen dilemma!

2008-07-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

This photograph was taken 0n 10th July just outside Dongguk University in the main street near Chungmuro Subway Station just before leaving for an afternoon pilgrimage of modern commercial world. It has been a learning experience for me. When it comes to shopping, I can see an unusual industriousness. What a fascinating thing! When I walk with the pink team, my 'zen' (or more accurately 'Son') dilemma has been "to do shopping or not-to-do-shopping."

Pink Team's Visit to Baegangsa Monastery

2008-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

On 8th July 2008, our "Pink" team (wearing pink t-shirts given Ven. Dr. Misan of Sangdo Meditation Center, Seoul) visited Baegangsa monastery located four-hours away to the south of Seoul. Baegangsa is a very important training monastery of Jogye Buddhist Order of Korean Buddhism. It is also the 18th temple of the 24 most important monasteries in Korea.

Our guides were Ven. Dr. Misan, who is a graduate of Oxford and Professor of Sangha University and Ven. Nun Deokwoo (meaning 'Virtuous Rain'). Ven. Misan is an important member of Baegansa Monastery. They drove us around for two days taking time away from their busy schedules.

Our morning chanting in the Baegangsa temple began at 2.45 A.M. on 9th of July and for which I got up at 1.56 A.M. I could see continuous chanting and drumming well after 5 A.M. in the monastery.

After meeting the abbot, we were taken into Bulgasa temple to meet the Patriarch. He was a charming monk who warmly welcome us and got quite carried away with our visit and was willing to step out from his monastery to be on this photo. We are grateful for his grace and warm reception. I was moved!

Gombrich’s Lecture Series on “Buddha and Buddhist Thought”

2008-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Richard F. Gombrich, former Bowden Professor of Sanskrit at The University of Oxford, began teaching an intensive summer course on “The Buddha: Buddhist Thought and Culture” at Dongguk University International Summer School on 3 July 2008. This lecture series is based on a new book that Professor Gombrich plans to release in the coming year. This three-hour lecture series will continue until 15 July 2008.

Welcoming by Dongguk

2008-07-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Professor Soonil Hwang met us and held a group meeting at Dongguk University.

Departing Team at Duty Free

2008-07-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Departing Team took a photo at London Heathrow in front of Duty Free.

Our Departure for Seoul in June 2008

2008-07-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

We left London Heathrow on 29th June 2008 for Seoul. We did not forget the Duty Free shops (Photo: Catherine, Theresa, Katharina, Mahinda, Hannah, Sophie and Emily).

We had a safe arrival in Dongguk University on 30th June. We were taken to the University from the airport and began our orientation right away on the same day.

On the following day, we had a group meeting with Professor Soonil Hwang of Dongguk University and the group photo was taken in front of the main University building.

Bath Spa Team Sailing to Seoul

2008-06-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

The Bath Spa Study of Religions Team makes final preparations for sailing to Seoul this weekend for the Summer Programme in Dongguk University in Seoul. In the past months, the team members have acquired required skills in technology in the film production in the Arts Work and Broacasting Lab at Bath Spa University. As a team, the members are making an effort to produce a DVD to capture the rich religious landscape in Seoul.

Fiona's Thanks to British Council

2008-06-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

Professor Fiona Montgomery, Head of School of Historical and Cultural Studies, Bath Spa University thanks the British Council for awarding the PMI2 Connect Grant to enable five undergraduate students of the Study of Religions programme at Bath Spa to attend a month-long study tour and participation in the International Summer School to be held at Dongguk University in South Korea in July 2008.

Bath Spa Signs the Contract with British Council

2008-06-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today Bath Spa signed the contract for the International Student Mobility Grant to enable Bath Spa Study of Religions students to travel to Dongguk University in South Korea.
This grant is part of the Strategic Alliances and Partnerships strand of the Prime Minister's Initiative for International Education 2 (PMI2).
PMI2 is a five year strategy launched in 2006 with the aim of positioning the UK as a leader in international education. This programme of support for Bath Spa increases the level of engagement and collaboration between the UK and Korea

Deegalle's Introduction to Summer Programme in Korea

2008-06-01T04:20:00.002-07:00

This is a brief introduction to the Summer Study Programme of Buddhism in Korea to be undertaken by Bath Spa University students in July 2008.

Korean Summer Study of Buddhism

2008-05-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

The teaching programme of Dongguk International Summer School commences on 3 July 2008.

The first course "The Buddha: Buddhist Thought & Culture" will be taught by Professor Richard F. Gombrich, former Boden Professor of Sanskrit at University of Oxford.

The second course "Understanding Korean Culture and Religion" will be taught by Professor Soonil Hwang and Dongguk University Team. This part will be over by 29 July 2008.

Bath Spa students will carry out field work and participant observation of Buddhist practices for a minimum of four weeks. They will produce a DVD documenting rich religious landscape of the South Korean capital, Seoul.

To enable students to carry out their studies abroad under Bath Spa / Dongguk Summer Study Programme, a special module SR3028 Religion, Culture and Society in Korea has been validated by Bath Spa University.

It is expected that this study abroad programme will enhance the links between the UK and South Korea by providing a rich learning experience for Bath Spa students in the Study of Religions. This summer programme will also provide an opportunity for students to develop much needed employability skills.

Bath Spa / Dongguk Summer Study in Korea 2008

2008-05-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

For the first time, this year Bath Spa University begins sending five undergraduate students for the study of Buddhism and Korean religions in Seoul, South Korea. This programme is sponsored by PMI2 Grant administered by The British Council. The programme commences on 30 June 2008. Five undergraduate students who are in their second year of the undergraduate Study of Religions programme in School of Historical and Cultural Studies have been selected for the Summer Study in Dongguk Univeristy. They will attend the summer teaching programme and will carry out field research of participant observation in the rich religious landscape of Seoul.