Journey to Korean Temples and Templestay (Paperback)

Introduction

Chapter 1 History of Korean Buddhism
1. Overview of Korean Buddhism
2. Three Kingdoms Period
3. Unified Silla Kingdom Period
4. Goryeo Dynasty
5. Joseon Dynasty
6. Japanese Occupation and Recent Developments (Modern Period)

Chapter 2 Korean Buddhist Temples
1. What is the Buddhist Temple?
2. Features of Korean Buddhist Temples
3. Why are Korean Temples Located on the Mountain?
4. Some Special Temples
5. Bhiksu and Bhiksuni of Korean Buddhism
6. Culture of Korean Buddhist Temples
a. Architectural Features of the Buddhist Temple
b. Architectural Elements of the Buddhist Temple
Temple Gates
The One-pillar Gate
The Four Guardians' Gate
The Non-duality Gate
Dharma Hall
Different Buddha Halls and Shrines
'Bell of King Seongdeok'
Wall Paintings
c. Educational Institutions
Seon Meditation Center (Seonwon)
Vinaya (Monastic Precepts) Seminary (Yulwon)
Monastic Seminary or Sutra School (Gangwon)
Chongrim Temple
d. Monastic Life
Daily Routine



Yearly Routine
e. Korean Buddhist Practice
f. Tradition of Rigorous Seon Practice
g. Temple Etiquette
h. Temple Food
Development of Temple Food
Balu Gongyang, Korean Temple Formal Meal

Chapter 3 Journey to Korean Temples
1. Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa - Home of Manjusuri Bodhisattva
Tale of Woljeong Temple
Tale of King Sejo of Joseon and Sangwon Temple
Temple Stay Program of Woljeong Temple
2. Bongeun Temple
3. Geojo Hermitage
Tale of Arhats 1 Seojin Hermitage, Namwon, North Jeolla Province
Tale of Arhats 2 Arhats and Dongji Patjuk
4. Eunhae Temple
5. Baekheung Hermitage
6. Tongdo Temple 1
7. Tongdo Temple 2
Tale of Tongdo Temple
8. Samhwa Temple
Tale of Samhwa Temple
Temple Stay Program of Samhwa Temple

Chapter 4 Temple Stay
What is the temple stay?
A Typical Temple Stay Program
List of Templestay-running Temples
What is the Temple Life Program?
Temple Life Program of Bongeun Temple
Temple Life Program of Jogye Temple
Temple Life Program of Hwagye Temple

Chapter 5 Buddhism Q&A
1. Why is the Spirit Assembly Altar installed in a temple hall?
2. What are the things held in the hands of Bodhisattvas?
3. Isn't Mahayana Buddhism polytheistic as there are so many Buddhas?
4. What do they mean by the Buddha?
5. Why did Buddhism disappear in the land of origin, India?
6. How is Buddhism different from other religions?
7. Why does Buddhism have so many indigenous factors?
8. Isn't praying before Buddha statues the idol worship?
9. Why do Buddhist monks shave their head?
10. Why does the temple have so many Buddhas?
11. What is Nation-protecting Buddhism and how should we accept it?
12. Why do Buddhist monks give up their home and join the Sangha community?
13. Why had the lotus flower become a symbol of Buddhism?

Appendix
Korean Dynasties
Timelines of Korean Buddhist History