This hermitage, not far from Gyeongju’s east coast, contained a stone-carved seated Buddha. Steps led to small caves where other statues were contained before I finally reached the four metre high Buddha. It was believed that the Silla Buddha image was carved between the 7thand 9thcentury where originally there had been twelve caves at the site. Continue reading Golguram Hermitage
Tag Archives: Buddhism
Three-storey pagodas
After unifying the three kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula in the latter half of the 600s AD, King Munmu-wang, the 30thruler of Silla began construction on Gameusaji temple in the hope of repelling Japanese invasions. Because he died before its completion, his son, King Sinmun completed the project in 682 AD. Continue reading Three-storey pagodas
Cheongyeonam Hermitage
I took the road deeper into the forest away from Beomeosa Temple where a sign pointed to three different hermitages. If I found Beomeosa Temple quiet, this route was dead silent. A handful of faithful knelt before shrines. A few people walked the grounds, but otherwise there was no one. Continue reading Cheongyeonam Hermitage
Sho-ren-in
Sho-ren-in was known as one of the five Monzeki temples in Kyoto whose head priests were originally from the imperial family. It was one of the main lodgings in the mountain used by several well known priests. Continue reading Sho-ren-in
An accidental visit to Higashi Honganji
I sped past this complex when I first arrived in Kyoto. But a few days later when I hiked in the general direction of my hotel, I passed by the site once again. This time I crossed over a moat and entered through the Founder’s Hall Gate into the temple complex, Higashi Honganji, officially known as Shinshu Honbyo. Continue reading An accidental visit to Higashi Honganji
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
I may not have seen any tooth inside Chinatown’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, but it didn’t matter. This was the most elaborate temple I’d stepped into in Singapore. The building was huge while inside I lost count of the number of Buddha statues that festooned the walls. Continue reading Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Vietnamese devotion
I’d observed Vietnamese devotion on many occasions. When I visited a shrine dedicated to eight women who were trapped in a cave after U.S. bombing, I was moved by the way the Vietnamese remembered these women who had been building a road. Continue reading Vietnamese devotion
Buddhas, Buddhas and more Buddhas
Linh Buu Temple on the outskirts of Dalat seemed to be filled with sitting, standing or reclining Buddhas. Continue reading Buddhas, Buddhas and more Buddhas
Truc Lam Pagoda
I traversed over pine forests by cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda. Set amongst trees and gardens, the peace of the hilltop location was reward enough. Continue reading Truc Lam Pagoda
Over temple grounds
I walked from Con Son heading towards the cemetery past cows grazing by the side of the road, papaya trees and even a field or corn. Before I arrived at the cemetery’s entrance, I was distracted by a temple. Continue reading Over temple grounds