We had the unique opportunity to go on a "Good Neighbor" tour in the Jeonju area in central Korea. Our first stop was the Geumsansa ("Gold Mountain") Buddhist Temple.
The walk to the temple was beautiful!
The Geumsansa Temple complex is home to ten of South Korea's designated "National Treasures." The complex was first established 599 and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries because of invasions and fires. This is the main building - Mireukjeon. It is the oldest remaining three-story structure in Korea, dating from the 1635 reconstruction. It holds the tallest indoor Buddha (Maitreya - 11.82 meters), along with two Bodhisattvas (Pophwarim and Taemyosang - 8 meters each). It was being renovated when we visited.
Photography was only allowed from a side window, so this is the best shot we could get.
In the Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (more commonly called the Great Hall), we were lucky enough to observe the traditional prayer ritual. Worshipers (and monks, in this case) move from standing to kneeling to bowing completely to the floor (palms up), then getting back to standing again. This is done 108 times while chanting a prayer for each prostration.
The five Buddhas and six Bodhisattvas of the Great Hall.
In another building, paper lotus flowers filled the ceiling space. Each flower had a paper hanging down with someone's name on it. The monks pray for these names every day.
The Chijang Bodhisattva and Myongbu siwang (Ten Lords of the Other World).
The Sakyamuni Buddha.
It was an amazing experience!
