My Oyster: The Breath of Zen...

Kind of like a taste of Buddhism.

I am back from a templestay in the mountains here in Korea. It was challenging but wonderful. I think that is the point.

The pic above is me at the main temple.

The days started at 4am being woken by the monks and going to meditation and chanting.

This is my bed.

I didn't get a lot of sleep on the first night. The second night I was so tired, it didn't matter that I was sleeping on the floor. Ok, it still mattered a little.

I shared the space with two guys (from Costa Rica and Sweden) on the first night and five guys (Ireland, Finland, France & Rhode Island) on the second night. It was very fun meeting people from, literally, around the world. Sort of like being an exchange student again.

The days and nights were devoted to chanting, meditation, martial arts training, community building, discussions of buddhism, and of course - eating. We had a couple tea services and a paru gongyang (traditional meal). I even learned archery with a traditional Korean bow.

We did all of the activities with the monks - including the Grand Master. I think the youngest monk there was 18 and the oldest 54. Most were Korean, but there were also two french ones. There were two women there, but I am not sure if they were monks or not. It was very interesting to see the monks in their formal practice and then just hang out with them.

The weekend was difficult at times but I got the closer glimpse of Buddhism that I wanted and some quiet time away from cities - so I am very happy.

Here are some more pics...

Some of the buildings on the side of the mountain...