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Understanding Buddhism in Korea
The Three Jewel Temples, Buddha’s Birthday, and More
By Mack Rock
Today, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Monk Boeun at Dongnyeongsa Temple. We sat together and enjoyed some tea. She told me that there are about 5,000 Buddhist temples in South Korea. Among them, the most important and largest temples that should be visited are the Three Jewel Temples: Tongdosa Temple (located in Yangsan, Gyeongnam), Haeinsa Temple (located in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam), and Songgwangsa Temple (located in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam).
I have lived in South Korea since I was six years old and I have visited many temples. However, since I am not Buddhist, I had a lot of questions. Monk Boeun explained to me that like all world religions, Buddhism is both a religion and a part of the culture for many people in certain regions and countries. Mahayana Buddhism has become the mainstream branch here in South Korea. Mahayana Buddhism is an evolved Buddhism and the primary purpose is to spread happiness and compassion to everyone in the world. Buddhism has a history of being deeply integrated into the social, cultural, and political systems even today in Korea.
As one walks into a temple in Korea, they will typically see four large guards. I have always wondered what they represent. Monk Boeun said they are actually four Heavenly Kings that have intimidating stares, bulging eyes and gnashing teeth. The Four Heavenly Kings are responsible for protecting temples, the monks and people who believe in Buddhism. The names of the heavenly kings are ‘持國Cheonwang (East)’, ‘增長Cheonwang (South)’, ‘廣目Cheonwang (West)’, and ‘多聞Cheonwang (North)’. In Korea, they wear helmets, magnificent armor, and carry weapons. They hold a lute (similar to a ukulele), a sword, a dragon, a yeouiju (a wishing stone), a spear, and a pagoda. They are stepping on demons, punishing evil in the world, and they make vows to protect the Buddhist law and Buddhists. The Four Heavenly Kings were originally heavenly gods, but they were reborn as guardians of the Buddha's teachings after being impressed by the teachings of Buddha. If you visit temples often, you will find the exaggerated facial expressions and postures humorous and friendly.
Also, I was curious about the bead bracelets that monks wear. They are called “danju (短珠)” or “hapjangju“ and are used for prayer. Traditionally the beads are made by carving small, round pieces from the fruit of the Bodhi tree, Lotus seed, Jujube tree, or Juniper tree. In modern times, jade beads and artificial materials are also used. These beads are used to practice chanting. The method involves holding prayer beads in one's hand and chanting the name of Buddha while turning each bead one time.
I knew that monks in Korea are vegetarians, but I did not know why. She explained that temple food is food eaten by ascetic monks and their attitude towards food is expressed well in the poetry they recite every time they eat. In accordance with this, temple food is prepared frugally. It usually consists of rice, soup, and 3-4 side dishes. The reason that meat and fish are prohibited and Korean monks adhere to the principle of strictly vegetarian food is in accordance with the spirit of mercy and animal-friendly culture which is especially emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism. Ordinary believers are not held to this strict vegetarian standard.
I’ve also noticed that the Buddhist temples in Korea look different than temples in other Asian countries. Monk Boeun explained to me that she felt the external appearance of temples is due to cultural differences between countries and that the variances in temple architecture may be related to everything from the natural environment, climate, geographical characteristics, and political, social, and economic restrictions. More than anything, she felt it was influenced by the differences in Buddhist doctrines accepted by each country. Additionally, she assumes that the colors and patterns are different in each country depending on their ethnic preferences. In Korea they use beautiful colors and special patterns so that the murals are arranged to achieve a balance between beauty and religious nature. In addition the buildings and gardens naturally communicate and connect to create balanced beauty.
If you are interested in participating in a templestay, there are about 150 temples in Korea that operate templestays. You can have tea, conversation and consultation with monks, you can also experience Zen meditation and challenge yourself to practice 108 bows. There are many fun activities that you can do like making prayer beads or paper lotus flowers. It is also nice to take a walk along a beautiful forest path while breathing in the clean air, and enjoying Buddhist cultural heritage. Templestays definitely help make your Korean tour an unforgettable memory. If you are interested in a temple stay you can find more information at: https://www.templestay.com.
I was also curious about what happens on Buddha’s Birthday in Korea. When asked, Monk Boeun expounded that Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated mid-May according to the solar calendar. This year Buddha’s birthday falls on May 15th. This is a season of beautiful flowers and fresh greenery. Buddha's Birthday, as the name suggests, is a day to celebrate Buddha and commemorate his teachings and achievements. This day is a public holiday in South Korea. Korean citizens who are deeply committed to Buddhism visit nearby temples to rest, burn incense and pray for the happiness of their families. Above all, the highlight of Buddha's Birthday is lighting up beautiful lotus lanterns in the temple hall and temple grounds. You will start to see lotus lanterns of various colors a month in advance of Buddha's birthday. “The lighting of lotus lanterns on Buddha's birthday is a Korean tradition that has been around for about 1,500 years, and is now a Korean intangible cultural asset called 'Yeondeunghoe' and an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' registered by UNESCO” Monk Boeun shared.
Finally, I asked Monk Boeun what she would want the average person to know about monks in Korea. She said, “The most important things to know about monks in Korea are that we live in a society where science is extremely developed. In such a situation, each country does not cooperate and create a harmonious human society, but each country, region, race and ethnicity maximizes its own interests and engages in endless competition and war. Korean society cannot be free from this situation and is deeply intertwined, leading a life of competition amidst tension and suffering. As a disciple of Buddha, I would like to speak to Koreans and all people around the world about Buddhist teachings. Retribution in other words, it is a basic Buddhist teaching that the effect follows the cause. This means that results follow depending on the efforts we make. Arousing the mind like this, or words and actions done with intention, is called karma. If taking care of one's own interests and causing harm to others is called bad karma. Always considering the interests of others and acting so that we and others can be happy together is called good karma. Seeds sown in spring bear fruit in fall. It does not bear any other fruit than you planted. We must act and strive to make ourselves and others happy together. Temperance, cooperation, and consideration come from the compassion called for in Buddhism. This will not only benefit the other person, but will help each other like each piece of a large network, ultimately benefiting the whole and producing a result that leads to peaceful development.”
Consider celebrating Buddha's birthday this year with your friends and family and enjoy the light the lotus lanterns bring, maybe even visit one of Korea’s Three Jewel Temples!
About the Author
Mack Rock is a 15-year-old residing in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. He is fluent in both English and Korean and is a co-author of the Korean/English education book, '진짜 미국 영단어 그림 사전' (Real American English Picture Dictionary).
Mack gained popularity in Korea as the youngest cast member on '대한외국인' (True Foreigners) and has appeared in numerous Korean movies, dramas, and reality TV shows. He also gained attention through several viral videos, accumulating over 150 million views. Asian Boss names Mack the “Most Famous American Boy in Korea”.
In addition to his work in entertainment and education, Mack enjoys hobbies such as coin collecting, metal detecting, unicycling, performing magic tricks, and playing video games.
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