Templestay

A couple weeks ago, we had the opportunity to spend the night at a Buddhist temple in what is called in Korean a "Templestay" (all one word). You dress, walk, behave, eat, pray and meditate like a monk for a night. First thing we did when we arrived was have a quick chat with the monk who was going to be our guide for the stay. We were served green tea by one of the female employees and as soon as she left us alone we were in scramble mode to make it look like we drank the tea (so as not to offend our hosts and make a big deal about it). It was shear madness trying to pour ten steaming cups of tea into three empty water bottles and then have to clean up the inevitably massive spillage. But our hosts came back and seemed none the wiser, even though there was still a sizable puddle of tea on the floor.

Next came the outfits. We were given grey novice "templestay" attire that made us look kind of like we were escaped convicts. On our way to the dining hall, we were asked to walk like monks - which means single file, hands clasped in front of you, and no talking. It looked like we were in a chain gang! Once in the cafeteria we followed the Buddhist manners for eating, which is to eat in silence and eat everything that you take. Inside the empty cafeteria with metal trays and complete silence we all had the same thought running through our heads: "It's like prison!". Eventually the monk came by to check on us and broke our silence (after that we were all more relaxed in our manners and talked out loud to each other).

After washing our trays we went to one of the Buddhist shrines and did some bowing. Then back in the templestay hall area, Dr. Peterson lead us in meditation time which we did for about a half an hour. And then it was bed time! Lights out at 9 PM. Which made sense considering that morning prayers began at 3 AM. Which we participated in (at least for a little bit). The rest of the morning involved some lecture from Dr. Peterson, free time, breakfast, and then getting ready to leave. By the time we left it was only 7 AM. Needless to say, the rest of the day (which included visiting a shipyard and getting treated to a VIP lunch) was a very long one.