Lunch Break Escapade
Just 15 minutes from gate #4 lies a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered – the Temple of Bright Virtue, 광덕사(光德寺). I stumbled upon this temple on a whim, looking for a way to spend my lunch hour a few days ago. But what I found was a transformative and enriching experience that left me with a deep sense of gratitude and wonder. And to think, I could have missed it if I had eaten the salad I brought from home that day.
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The Unexpected Beauty
As I arrived at the temple entrance, I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The lush forest that surrounded the temple was alive with vibrant colors and fragrances, and the buildings and courtyards seemed to radiate an inner light. I was taken aback by the scale and grandeur of the cultural artifacts, including a three-story stone pagoda from the Silla dynasty (57 BCE-935 CE) and a bronze bell from the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE). As I walked around, I felt a sense of awe and wonder that I had not expected.
History of the Temple of Bright Virtue
The monk Naong Hyegeun, known for promoting Korean Buddhism during the early 20th century, founded the temple in 1930. The monk Naong Hyegeun practiced the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is one of the significant branches of Mahayana Buddhism in Korea– the branch of Buddhism that places a strong emphasis on meditation.
The temple sits on the slopes of Mt. Palgong, with stunning views of the mountains above and the Gachang Reservoir below.
As I began exploring the temple, I was surprised by the number of vertically stacked Buddha statues in a back wall storage unit. The roof of a Buddhist temple in South Korea is breathtaking, with vibrant colors ranging from deep greens to fiery reds and oranges that seem to shift and change with the light. The texture is soft and velvety, with intricate geometric curves and spirals. The tiles ripple and undulate like the scales of a mythical dragon. A testament to the unparalleled skill and artistry of the craftsmen, the roof creates a sense of wonder and magic that stays with visitors long after they leave.
The Power of Nature at the Temple of Bright Virtue
As I walked through the courtyard, the many giant statues directed my focus upwards.. As a result, I stepped down into a bed of wet cement, jolting me out of my reverence for my surroundings. Instinctively, I took a step backward. Admiring my contribution to the temple’s decor before searching for someone to correct my faux pas.
Looking around, I found a worker and tried to convey what I had done, but to no avail. So I decided to show him my boot. I show him the wet cement on the bottom of my ruby red combat boots. His face lit up as he grabbed a wooden plank. He smiled, waving his hand as if to say, “No problem.”
I came upon a quiet corner where a small cascade of water trickled down over a bed of moss-covered rocks. Naturally, I sat down and closed my eyes, letting the cool water wash over my dirty boots. I felt a sense of connection. A oneness with the natural world, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.
The Importance of Gratitude
As I prepared to leave the Temple of Bright Virtue, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and surprise for the experience I had just had. I realized that I had found so much beauty during my time in Daegu. But I was also disappointed. Too many people come to the city for 2 or 3 years and never experience these treasures.
Explore Palgonsan– its in your Backyard
In conclusion, my visit to the Temple of Bright Virtue was a reminder that sometimes the greatest joys and blessings can come to us when we least expect them. It was a lunch break escapade that turned into a profoundly transformative experience. The beauty and richness of the temple, the power of nature surrounding it, and the warm hospitality I received from the workers all left me in a state of awe and gratitude.
It made me realize that we often overlook the treasures that lie right in our own backyard. Living in Daegu, a city with such rich culture and history, we have the opportunity to explore and immerse ourselves in these hidden gems. However, it’s a shame. People come and go. Many overlook the opportunity to discover the hidden beauty.
Gratitude and the Power of Being Present
Temple of Bright Virtue Delivered
So, I urge anyone who lives in or visits Daegu to take a moment to step off the beaten path. Explore the Temple of Bright Virtue and other cultural landmarks that surround us. Open yourself up to the unexpected. So et go of preconceived notions. And allow the mysticism and enchantment to guide your journey.
In the end, my visit to the Temple of Bright Virtue not only fed my curiosity. It fed my sense of adventure. And it also nourished my soul in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It reminded me of the importance of gratitude and the power of being present in the moment. So, let’s embrace the magic that surrounds us. And embark on our own personal journeys of discovery, right here in our own backyard.
And remember, the next time you’re not hungry during your lunch break. On that note, consider an escapade to the Temple of Bright Virtue. You never know what transformative experiences await you just a few minutes away.
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