• Artwork,  Video

    Video: The Dragon Ship of Wisdom – 반야용선도

    Hello Again Everyone!! In this all-new type of videos, we’ll be exploring the temple artwork that adorns Korean Buddhist temples. Specifically, we’ll be looking at masonry, paintings, architecture, bells, drums, and so much more! And the topic of this video, which can be seen from time to time around a temple or hermitage is called “The Dragon Ship of Wisdom,” in English, or the “반야용선도,” in Korean. This painting is highly symbolic in the Buddhist understanding of the after life. So sit back and enjoy the video, as I explain The Dragon Ship of Wisdom!

  • Beomeosa,  Busan,  Video

    Video: Cheongryeonam Hermitage – 청련암 (Geumjeong-gu, Busan)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Located on the Beomeosa Temple grounds in northern Busan, Cheongryeonam Hermitage means “Blue Lotus Hermitage,” in English. Not only is the hermitage the home to the Buddhist martial art Seonmudo, but it’s also the home to the most elaborate outdoor shrine dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). This bronze coloured statue dedicated by Jijang-bosal is surrounded by equally elaborate statues dedicated the Ten Kings of the Underworld and a collection of Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) and a row of granite zodiac generals. It’s really something else to see. Any trip to Beomeosa Temple almost demands a visit to Cheongryeonam Hermitage. So take the time and…

  • Gyeongsangnam-do,  Tongdosa,  Video

    Video: Seounam Hermitage – 서운암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Alongside Samyeongam Hermitage, Jajangam Hermitage, and Geukrakam Hermitage, Seounam Hermitage is another one of the beautiful hermitages that takes up residence on the Tongdosa Temple grounds. But unlike the three other hermitages, Seounam Hermitage has extensive grounds that a visitor can explore. During these explorations, you can come around a Koi pond, large clay soy pots, and even a fenced off enclosure for a collection of peacocks. The hermitage was first built in 1346. And inside the Janggyeong-gak, in the upper courtyard, you can find a collection of the Tripitaka Koreana that you can find at Haeinsa Temple. So follow me as we walk our way through…

  • Gyeongju,  Video

    Video: Seokguram Hermitage – 석굴암 (Gyeongju)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Alongside Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Hermitage is the most internationally recognizable Buddhist site in Korea. And with Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Hermitage was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seokguram Hermitage was first built in 774 A.D. And the name of the temple means “Stone Cave Hermitage,” in English. The statue inside the grotto at Seokguram Hermitage is the most beautiful image of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, in all of Korea and perhaps Asia. The statue is spell-binding just as soon as you step inside the stone grotto. So follow me, as we explore together, this amazing feat in both artistic and religious excellence in Gyeongju!

  • Gyeongsangnam-do,  Tongdosa,  Video

    Video: Samyeongam Hermitage – 사명암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Another beautiful hermitage that’s located on the Tongdosa Temple grounds is the amazing Samyeongam Hermitage. A personal favourite of mine, Samyeongam Hermitage was named after the warrior monk, Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610). The hermitage was first constructed in 1573. With a beautiful, large Koi pond that’s spanned by a granite bridge, Samyeongam Hermitage is occupied with a large main hall, a Samseong-gak shaman shrine hall, and a Josa-jeon (Founders’ Hall) with a mural of Samyeong-daesa inside. The hermitage is especially beautiful during the spring months, when it seems like the entire grounds are in bloom. So follow me around a personal favourite of mine, as I tour around Samyeongam…

  • Gyeongsangnam-do,  Tongdosa,  Video

    Video: Geukrakam Hermitage – 극락암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Geukrakam Hermitage, which is a reference to the heaven that Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) rules over, is one of the beautiful temples located of the vast Tongdosa Temple grounds. First built in 1344, Geukrakam Hermitage means “Ultimate Bliss Hermitage,” in English. In addition to the unique Chilseong-gak with seven individual paintings of the shaman Seven Stars deity, the hermitage also has a picturesque Hong Bridge that spans a Koi pond and is most beautiful during the spring months when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. So follow me in this video as I tour around the amazingly beautiful Geukrakam Hermitage in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do.