Loving-kindness and Community at Sangdo Meditation Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Philosophy Students

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