Ordinary Mind

Sea Village

2011-11-19T17:02:00.014+09:00

Odori 오도리, the name of a typical coastal village in northern Pohang 포항, a harbor city on the eastern shore of the Korean peninsular. Like other local sea villages along the eastern coast, Odori has a small wharf and beach, some of whose villagers usually own fishing ships for their living and others cultivate the nearby lands for farming. It always offers a peaceful atomsphere of Korean sea village exept for the summer when the village like others is busy with holiday makers.

River and City

2011-11-06T16:32:00.026+09:00

About one year has passed since being lastly posted in 2010. Same work, same story. Meanwhile, nothing has been changed. Anyway, people say autumn has come. The weather is clearly divided by four distinct seasons in Korea. Many Koreans love the typical autumn weather, so that they go out and feel it actively on the mountains as well as fields.

A couple of weeks ago, the first time this autumn, I hiked up Mt. Ap, a mountain along the southern Daegu and rode a bicycle to a newly built weir on the Nakdong river, named Gangjeong-Goryeong Bo in the western Daegu, linking Dasan village in Goryeong county with Gangjeong village in Daegu city. The above photo describes the western side of Daegu, a view from the ridge of Mt. Ap. On the upper side of the photo, Nakdong river looks blurry and the weir can be seen on the right side and the below photo shows it, too. The highest peak above the clouds, Mt. Gaya is also seen. Haeinsa temple, one of three Buddhist temples with three treasures nestles at the foot of the mountain.

A friend of mine was born in Dasan village next to the weir. He looked so impressed with the weir. In his teen years, he used to cross the river in a ferry boat when he went to Daegu. Sometimes he had to call the ferryman in a loud voice, because the boat always waited for the passengers or villagers on the either side of the ferry point.

This weir had been constructed, due to 4 Rivers Restoration Project by the government, which has been disputed among the opposition parties and environmental activists. The road on the wier is car-free zone.

Gasil Catholic Church

2010-11-30T20:24:00.015+09:00

There is an old gothic building in brick in Gasil 가실 village along the bank of Nakdong river around Waegwan 왜관 to the north of Daegu 대구. The building is Gasil catholic church in which a typical rural village is surrounded. It was established in 1895, and the present church and rectory were built during the years 1922-1924 by a french catholic missionary. Later, Benedictine Abbey in Waegwan was assigned to pastor the church.

During the Korean War, this church was used as a hospital by the north Korean army, so the building was not damaged even if the nearby village was all destroyed. The church on the hill is beautiful enough to draw attention to Catholic as well as non-Catholic. Some years ago a movie was shot here. Father Bartholomaeus Henneken from Germany who has been in Korea over 40 years serves as pastor. Visitors are welcome to look around the church and previous rectory.

A window latch shaped in female torso to keep the window open is installed close to the each wood window sash on the wall of the previous rectory. A couple of the original window latches were worn out and got broken, so they have been replaced by exactly the same style and materials as the original purchased in Germany. Every effort was made to retain the original form of the building. Gasil catholic church possesses a lovely warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Winter Preparation

2010-11-26T20:20:00.004+09:00

Autumn has nearly gone. Winter has come again. Clay jar used to be traditional container for ages. In the late autumn, people dig a hole in the ground large enough to bury the jar, which is useful to keep the fermented food as Gimchi 김치 made of raddish and cabbage fresh during the cold weather.

Some buddhist monks also prepared winter in their temple close to Goryeong 고령. The upper parts of three jars are seen. A brick is put on the top of the middle one, which is intended to stop the strong wind from blowing away the top. Recently most Korean people prefer to residing in apartments, so clay jars in the front garden are unusual scene. Instead, they use electric refrigerater to keep Gimchi for all seasons. This view reminds middle aged Koreans of old things that have been forgotten along the way.

Encounter

2010-07-27T21:24:00.013+09:00

Taken in a farm village around Daegu.

Holding Up One Finger

2010-06-05T09:50:00.001+09:00

Once a monk came to visit a zen master and asked Dharma.

The zen master picked up a tiny bit of thread on his clothes and blew it away.

Dharma

2010-05-26T21:37:00.013+09:00

Once a monk came to see a zen master and requested dharma. "What is the great way?", the monk asked.

The master replied "A pine tree in the front garden."

"I asked you about Dharma, not an object.", said the monk.

"I didn't tell you an object but Dharma.", the master answered.

The monk said, "Then, I'd like to ask you again. What is the great way?"

" A pine tree in the front garden.", the master answered.

At that moment, the monk was enlightened.

Skillful Means

2010-04-30T23:36:00.001+09:00

When a person throws a clod of earth at the dog, the dog immediately tries to bite or chase it.

When the man throws a clod of earth at the lion, the lion sees the person who threw it, and pounces on him.

Gaya

2010-04-04T21:08:00.014+09:00

Gaya is the name of a small town in northern India and Bodh Gaya in which Gautama Siddhartha was enlightened about 2500 years ago is nearby. Also, there used to be an ancient country whose name was the same as Gaya 가야 in southern Korea. Gaya was the confederacy of chiefdoms that existed from 1st century BC to 562 AD in the lower Nakdong river valley. Daegaya meaning Great Gaya was a chiefdom of the confederacy, located in the present region of Goryeong 고령. Daegaya had advanced steel making craft, so that it had played a major role in the confedery. The nearby village, Yaro, 야로, 冶爐 was the place where steel mine was found and developed in the early century. Yaro had been one of the biggest steel mines in the peninsular for a long time. Daegaya collapsed after being defeated in the battle by Shilla in 562 AD.

The ancient tombs during Daegaya Kingdom are lined along the ridge of the mountain just behind Goryeong. Historians agree that Daegaya traded with Japan 1500 years ago. Some burial accessory exported from Japan was found when one of the tombs was excavated.

Winter View

2010-02-17T20:50:00.007+09:00

Last Friday the snow-covered mountains around Daegu reminded us that we had a heavy snow during the night. As the sun rose, the snow on the ground started melting out due to the difference of the temperature between ground and mountains. People viewed the white mountains after a long absence and it felt more like winter.

We had much snow in those winter days. As the earth is getting warm, we could not have cold winter any more. But compared to the previous years, this winter is colder and much snow has fallen in Daegu.

Tomb

2010-02-03T19:01:00.014+09:00

This hill-like tomb named Bonghwangdae 봉황대 is one of the ancient relics in Gyeongju, which used to be the capital of Shilla kingdom. The unknown ancestor buried within is silent, but only some old trees growing on it reminds passers-by of the forgotten time.

The above photo shows a view of Bonghwangdae in 1950's. The below one the recent view. Bonghwang means a mythical and fabulous bird, and Dae the base. It has been said that the ancient people living in Gyeongju enjoyed the panoramic view from the top of this tomb, the beautiful scenery was compared to the mythical bird and the tomb was given the name, Bonghwangdae by them.

Monk's Residence

2010-01-10T21:26:00.013+09:00

Winter has also come to monk's residence in 고운사 Gounsa Buddhist temple. Gounsa was set up in 681, located in Uiseong-gun(county), the center of Gyeongsangbukdo province.

바람 없이 물결이 일지 않으면

삼라만상보다 더 많은 것이 비치네

어찌 많은 말이 필요하랴

바라보면 이미 뜻이 통하네

No wind, no swell; a world so various opens before my eyes.

No need for a lot of words; to look is to see.

(Entitled "Small Lotus Pond(작은 연못),” this is Father Kevin O'Rourke's translation of a poem by the Buddhist monk 혜심 Hyeshim (1178-1234))

Mt. Fuji

2009-12-27T22:00:00.020+09:00

In 1904, Japanese invaded the Korean Peninsula and some came to settle in the very small seashore village called 구룡포, 九龍浦, Guryongpo, located at the east end of Korean peninsula. Guryongpo got its name from the legend of nine dragons that ascended into the sky over the waters off the coastal village. 구 Gu means 9, 룡 Ryong dragon and 포 Po habour.The coastal waters off Guryongpo had a rich abundance of fishery resources. As the number of Japanese residents increased and they became richer, it was not a poor and small village any more. Many Japanese houses, a wharf facility and a park on a hill behind the village were built and shops including even a small department store were opened. We have a wonderful view of the harbour from the hill.

As most of the Japanese buildings were made of wood, soil and cement, some houses that had been weathered the last century collasped, and the others have been renovated and rebuilt since independence from Japan in 1945. So the original features have been changed gradually. But the Japanese traces of the colonial era can be still found along the alley. Recently an exhibition house for visitors including Japanese tourists has been opened, which used to be an old Japanese house. Old photos and household goods of Japanese colonial period in Guryongpo are exhibited including the history of Japanese residents in this village.

The above photo shows a door with etched glass panels, which was moved from another nearby house. Japanese tourists and descendants of the Japanese settlers during the colonial era are so glad to see the glass panels, the exhibition guide said. It was told that the figure etched on the upper left side depicts Mt. Fuji 富士山.

Urban Glimpses

2009-12-15T19:12:00.016+09:00

Winter Field

2009-12-07T21:40:00.026+09:00

Banwolseong 반월성 in Gyeoungju 경주, the 1000-year old capital of Shilla Kingdom, used to be a fortress and palace whose ruins can be visited. The name, Banwol-Seong comes from its outline which was shaped like a crescent moon. Banwol means half moon and Seong fortress.

A tower of stone blocks, Cheomseongdae 첨성대, is located to the north of Banwolseong. Even if the purpose of the tower built in the 7th century still remains disputable, many historians agree with the conclusion that it was used as an observatory. Cheomseongdae was built in the reign of Queen Seonduk 선덕. A rapeseed field is located between the tower and Banwolseong.

It was very cold last sunday. Cold wind blew across the rapeseed field. The vivid yellow of the rapeseed flowers was in view. The lush green leaves remind frequent visitors of the rapeseed flowers in full bloom last spring instead.

See the Sky

2009-11-22T21:20:00.007+09:00

If you are attached to thinking,

you fall under discrimination.

If you are attached to not thinking,

you fall into darkness.

Do you want to know what the Buddha really taught?

See a bird flying in the sky.

2009-11-09T20:22:00.021+09:00

What is Buddha?
It is raining.

What is mind?
Open the umbrella.

What is enlightenment?
Can I share your umbrella?

Autumn River

2009-10-15T20:41:00.019+09:00

The two rivers, 낙동강 Nakdong-gang and 금호강 Gumho-gang meet near Hwawon resort. The smaller river, Gumho enters Nakdong, the longest river in the southern peninsular. From the pavilion on the top of the resort, people enjoy the surrounding landscape, including the mouth of Gumho river. The right side river from the pavilion is Gumho. 신천 Shinchun, the urban stream in Daegu is a branch stream of Gumho River.

Looking west across the river and bridge, you can see Dasan village in the background of mountains. When you cross the bridge, you can turn on the right at the end of the bridge, and follow the river bank road unpaved, which ends near Nogok-ri. The river bank was built to prevent floodwater from flowing out into the surrounding land in rainy season. So there is nearly no traffic and it is also not easy to meet someone walking there. That road offers a peaceful and silent atmosphere filled with field and river views. While walking there, you can see some farms on the leftside of the bank and smell oxen dung used primarily as a fertilizer. In fall, dragon fly, locust and unnamed insects come into sight. Autumn has come again.

Autumn View

2009-09-22T19:45:00.025+09:00

노곡리 Nogok-ri is an obscure village to the west of Dasan, which is located across Nakdong river from Hwawon resort, western Daegu. Nogok got its name from the place with plenty of fertile rice field. Before the bridge linking Hwawon resort and Dasan about 20 years ago was built, the villagers, mostly farmers, used to cross the river by ferry for a long time. The new bridge has changed the villagers' lifestyle a lot in the past years. New residents from city came to live in this village surrounded by the fresh air and natural environment. About 150 households lived in the village in the past. Now about 120 households remain. Most young people have left the village to study or get jobs in the big cities, as in the other Korean rural villages. So old men remain in the village and cultivate the soil.

A big zelkova tree over 460 years old stands alone on the top of the front hill of the village and a small chapel is nearby. There are some benches around the tree. Behind the hill, Nogok-ri village is crammed into the narrow space between two hills. The top of the hill offers a quit and peaceful landscape of the rice field. There was a primary school at the foot of the hill, but the number of pupils had been continuously decreased, so the primary school was finally closed last spring.

Autumn is the best season in Korea. The rice fields turn yellow. It is getting close to harvest in Nogok-ri.

Nowhere To Go

2009-08-23T11:58:00.016+09:00

Everything is one, not separated, if this is clear or you realize where you are now. Wherever you go, you go nowhere. Whatever you do, you do nothing.

Everything gets discriminated, always separated, if this is not clear or you don't realize where you are now. You should always try to fill the void and the feeling of emptiness with something, but feel thirsty.

Everything is perfect in itself. Nothing is not enough or enough.

Put it Down

2009-08-13T20:08:00.017+09:00

Once a monk asked Zen master Jo-ju 조주,"How about when not a single thing is brought?"

"Put it down." Jo-ju answered.

The monk asked again,"If I don't bring a single thing, what should I put down?"

"Then carry it with you." the master said.

Clouds in the Sky

2009-08-02T20:08:00.018+09:00

Discarded signboard saying "Take-out pizza restaurant", a electiric pole that is covered with vines, and an apartment complex in the background...

Pavilion and Forest

2009-07-17T21:20:00.010+09:00

Jain 자인 is a small and peaceful village to the east of Gyeongsan. It has a well preserved natural forest called Gyejeong 계정. During Chosun dynasty, local residents used to lay memorial stone for the former governor after he finished his term and left his post, The memorial stones for the former governors in Jain are lined up at the entrance of Gyejung. The stones usually say that local residents expressed their gratitude for the former governors' commitment to fairness and justic during his term. The sub-county office pavilion built during Chosun dynasty is also located on the hill of the forest. It was moved from the place where it was first built in Jain area. This photo shows the view from behind the pavilion.

Gyejeong is also the place where Jain 자인 Dano 단오 General Han 한장군 Cultural Festival 놀이 is celebrated annually on May 5th of lunar calender. It is unique that the historical story of General Han who defeated Japanese pirates molesting the villagers in this region about one thousand years ago was made into play, which was mixed with traditional 단오제 Danoje, Dano festival. Dano traditionally marks the beginning of summer, when rites of wishing for an abundant harvest for the year following planting in the spring were held. After General Han drove them away, he became a patron of Jain, villagers built a shrine in memory of him and traditional ceremonies have been held in every Dano festival. His grave is in the middle of the forest.

Rural View

2009-06-03T20:29:00.013+09:00

This photo shows that a cattle pen is located on either side of the house in a country village near 탑리 Tap-ri. The rural view like this in South Korea is not common in countrysides anymore. 한우, Hanwoo, Korean native cattle are the traditional native breed which was in the past usually bred to plow fields, make manure and pull carts. It has a coat color ranging from yellowish brown to dark brown.

Most farmers used to raise a very small numbers of the cattle. For some children living in country villages, grazing cattle on grass used to be their daily round after school.

Sesame Oil Shop

2009-05-27T21:13:00.015+09:00

탑리, Tap-ri is a small farming village located somewhere in the eastern inland of the peninsular. 탑 Tap means stupa or pagoda in buddhism. In the center of the village, 5 story pagoda which is over 1000 years old stands on a small hill, looking down on the village.

An edible oil shop can be found in nearby traditional market. Something is written on the windows of the front door as follows : 참기름 Sesame, 뜰기름 perilla, 식용유 edible vegetable oil and 간장 soy sauce. Many shops around it were renovated and rebuilt, but it seems like that this oil shop has not been changed since being opened first. The signboard says Tap-ri sesame oil shop. Two machines in front of the shop are expeller on the left and roaster. Two wooden chairs on the left look like the same ones that have been used by primary school students about 30 years before.

Evergreen Coffee Shop

2009-05-25T21:01:00.013+09:00

A rustic coffee shop named 상록수 Sangroksoo meaning evergreen is on the roadside in 청하 Cheongha area near 보경사 Bogyung buddhist temple. The notice on the door says that it is open for business and the room is air conditioned. Some plants and flowers can be seen on the little garden in front of the shop. 다방 Dabang in Korean means a room for tea or coffee.

The room on the left side of the building was used as a pub named 상록수 Sangroksoo, now closed, and is available for rent.

Two Aromatic Trees

2009-05-03T19:03:00.021+09:00

Dalsung 달성 in Daegu valley had been a mud and stone-reinforced fortress since Silla 신라 dynasty(BC 57 ∼ AD 935). It had been a strategic hub in the valley. But its strategic importance had been diminished since Daegu fortress was built on the plain nearby, which was aimed to defend the valley people from Japanese invasion. In 1970, Dalsung was renovated to become a park and zoo.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Japan had a deliberate intention to colonize Chosun 조선 and proceeded to occupy her. In Jan 12, 1909, Sunjong 순종, the last King of the Chosun Dynasty and Ito Hirobumi 伊藤博文, the resident-General of Chosun together visited Dalsung in Daegu. They planted two aromatic trees in memory that were brought from Japan. When they planted the trees, the ages of the trees were 33 and 66 years old respectively, which were the same as those of King Sunjong and Ito Hirobumi. The trees have grown bigger over 100 years and still stand side by side in the middle of the park, without any signs that indicate the event 100 years ago. A Chinese proverb says "Same bed, different dreams." Looks like their wishes regarding the future of the country were totally different. The tree planted by the King is on the right in the view from the park gate of Dalsung.

About 9 months later after their visit to Daegu, Ito Hirobumi was assassinated in north China by a Korean independence activist. King Sunjong's reign also ended when Japan annexed Chosun as a colony in 1910.

On the Way Home

2009-04-12T22:43:00.009+09:00

A group of marathoners taking part in 2009 Daegu International Marathon race is running on the street of downtown Daegu. You can see a strangely dressed runner among them. The marathoner is a Korean buddhist monk. He puts on the monk robe instead of a marathon wear, unlike other marathoners, even when running.

Online news reports said that he resolved to start out in the marathon to spread buddhism and has participated in marathon races including ultramarathon several times. He is now an abbot monk of a buddhist temple somewhere in the southern region.

Something Forgotten

2009-04-07T21:47:00.026+09:00

Japanese colonialists completed a single track railway in 1905, connecting 한양 Hanyang, the capital of 조선 Chosun dynasty and 부산 Busan, the largest port city on the peninsula. Hanyang is the previous name of 서울 Seoul. The railway had many curved sections, so steam locomotives couldn't run fast and it took about 30 hours from Seoul to Busan. Five months later, steam express locomotives were introduced to shorten the running time, which was cut down to 11 hours.

Japanese imperialists opened a war against China in 1937, needed another railway to transport war materials faster, so that they completed the double track railway later, completely separated from the first one. The second railway was a modernized one whose track was more straight.

The old first railway had been abandoned since the new one was opened to traffic. Since then, many sections of the railroad have disappeared due to urban and rural development, or new roads were built on the site of the old railway. Some tunnel on the railway is used for persimmon wine cellar whose name is wine tunnel 와인 터널, located near the pass between 청도 Cheongdo and 경산 Gyeongsan. Some section of the railroad with two tunnels, located near 밀양 Milyang, was paved and used as a car road. The single track railway is not wide enough for two cars to pass, so one of two cars heading in the opposite directions should wait at the tunnel entrance while the other one passes through it.

Raw Fish Slices

2009-03-22T13:48:00.029+09:00

The restaurants specialized in sliced raw fish can be seen along the busy streets in harbors on the coasts of the Korean peninlsula. Sliced raw fish, 회, Hoe, is one of Korean favorite dishes, which is the same as Sashimi in Japan. The above photo shows a saltwater fish aquarium equipped in the front of raw fish restaurant located in some harbor, on the eastern coast. Aquarium is applied as a temporary storage to keep the live fish fresh until ready to serve. A landing net is used to catch the fish out of the aquarium, which is thinly sliced into bite-size pieces.

Sliced raw fish are served with red pepper sauce flavored with vinegar, 고추냉이 gochunaengi(wasabi, green horseradish), soy sauce mixed with vinegar and pine-nut meal, white cabbage, garlic, green chilli, sesame leaves. The aquarium fish of the restaurants along the coast are mostly wild caught. But to meet the needs, it has been known that some fish are transported from the hatcheries located along the western and southern coasts. Most inland raw-fish restaurants use fish raised in farms. The most popular main ingredients for sliced raw fish are flatfish, southern conger eel, armorclad rockfish, oyster, spiny turban shell, cuttlefish, octopus, abalone, yellowtail, snapper, mullet, halibut, gizzard shad and tuna.

Osho Tapoban

2009-03-03T20:47:00.019+09:00

After Osho Rajneesh's death, one of Osho's intimate disciples set up Osho Tapoban somewhere in the dense forest of Nagarjuna near Kathmandu, Nepal. Nagarjuna (circa AD 150 - 250) who was an important figure of Mahayana buddhism was told to be enlightened in this forest. Osho Tapoban has attracted spiritual seekers around the world. In the early period of the retreat center, I also used to be one of participants to join the meditation sessions conducted there. Osho's teaching was centered in all meditation activities.

The above drawing shows Osho Samdhi located on the lower place of the retreat center, worshiped by all Osho followers. Some of Osho's ashes are buried in the middle of round-shaped Samadhi made of marbles. Flowers are offered and incense burned.

Wherever you see a beauty : in a human face, in a child eye, in a lotus flower, in the wings of a bird in flight, in the rainbow or in a silent rock, remember you are on Holy ground - god is close. -OSHO-

Judgement

2009-02-16T21:32:00.022+09:00

Once upon a time, there lived an old man who owned a wonderful horse on the frontier of China. One day, the horse jumped a fence and ran away. His neighbors came to comfort him. But he looked so peaceful and serene. He said "Don't judge, who can say this may be good or bad?"

A few months later, the horse returned home and came back along with a group of horses. His neighbors came around again. The old man was congratulated by them, but he said "Don't judge, who can say this may be good or bad?"

A few days later, his son went out riding on the horse, fell down from the new horse and had his leg broken. Everyone in the village came to comfort him again. However, the old man said "Don't judge, who can say this may be good or bad?"

Some days later, the country where the old man lived got engaged in the war against its neighborhood, so all the young men in the village were drafted to fight in the war. Most draftees were killed in the battle. However, his son was not conscripted to fight in the war because he was a cripple. Everyone in the village said to the old man, "Your son is so lucky." However, the old man said "Don't judge, who can say this may be good or bad?"

Winter Delicacy

2009-01-06T19:15:00.021+09:00

Pacific herrings are dried on the seashore located in Yeongdeok region, a county along the eastern coast. Fish internal organs are removed and put on the bank of the sea. Seagulls gather to eat them.

For the regional people along the eastern coast during winter season, enjoying little dried pacific herrings together with dried laver, red pepper sauce flavored with vinegar, brown seaweed, white cabbage, garlic, green chilli and onion used to be a local delicacy. Little dried pacific herrings are garnished with dried laver, green onion and brown seaweed to get rid of the fishy smell. The fishes are usually eaten, wrapped in the dried laver or white cabbage, together with others prepared. Their skins are tough, so that they should be peeled off first and the flesh cut into bite-size pieces.

Little dried pacific herrings have recently gained considerable popularity across the country. But pacific sauries are easily used instead of pacific herrings which are not caught enough to meet the needs.

Bridge & River

2008-12-19T19:39:00.015+09:00

왜관, Waegwan, the name of administrative district to the north of Daegu, is located next to Nakdong River, connected by three bridges. Two bridges among them were completed by Japanese colonialists for military purposes, the older one was built in 1905. Waegwan means literally the official residences for the Japanese during chosun dynasty. There used to be a japanese settlement in Waegwan.

During the Korean War in the summer of 1950, the area around Waegwan was one of the most intense battlefields as Communist North Korean forces attempted to cross the river and push south through Waegwan toward Daegu. ROK and US forces formed a defensive line along the banks of Nakdong river in order to deter the enemy's advance. Then, two spans of the bridges were destroyed by explosion under the order of a commander of US army to stop the suspicious refugees apparently believed to be North Korean soldiers disguised in civilian clothes from crossing the river.

In 1953, the Korean war, the first major armed clash between free world and communist forces ended with a truce, claiming millions of lives and causing incalculable economic and social damage. The photo shows the bridge built in 1905, which was repaired temporally and opened for the public traffic after the war. It was reinforced again and reopened only for pedestrians in 1993.

Christianity in Daegu

2008-12-10T19:47:00.037+09:00

Roman catholic was first introduced to the peninsular in 1784. During about 100 years, many catholics were brutally either prosecuted or killed on charges of their accepting the religion of so-called western barbarians. In 1880th, Christians were legally allowed to share and expand their faith.

In 1903, Gyesan Cathedral was built as a parish church of the Daegu Archdiocese and the first Gothic-style church in this region when Catholic church began to exert its influence on Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

A missionary named William M. Baird was dispatched to Chosun by the Northern Presbyterian Church of America on a summer day in 1890. He left San Francisco for Chosun with his wife and 70 days later arrived at Busan port in late January 1891 by way of Hawaii and Japan. He stayed at Busan area about two years and preached the gospel. But he wished to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to gentiles in Daegu and Gyeongbuk area to the north of Busan and decided to go on missionary trip to the region.

He began a journey on foot from Busan, went along the local roads, crossed streams and rivers sometimes and got to Cheongdo on the afternoon of April 21, 1893 and finally arrived at the southern gate of Daegu fortress one day later, which means that for the first time a protestant missionary arrived in the area. Since then, other protestant missionaries had arrived, and western civilization and culture as well as the gospel were introduced into local people. And they opened schools and hospital as missionaries did in many other areas.

Apple trees were also brought into Daegu from America and flourished quite well in the soil of Daegu region. Later Daegu got reputation as city of apples. The offspring of the first apple trees planted by the american missionaries is still alive on the hill behind Dongsan medical center founded by them. Their old-fashioned and american-style residences are also close to it and well preserved.

Above two photos represent some views of the high school established by an american missionary in 1906. Visitors can see some letters on the right side of the main entrance to the main building. The letters "헨더슨 紀念館" inscribed into granite stone indicate Henderson memorial. Henderson was the 4'th principal of the school.

Red bricks and stones were used to build walls of a building in the school. After the Daegu fortress was broken and dismantled, a few discarded stones were recycled here.

Through the Viewfinder

2008-11-30T21:25:00.006+09:00

Taken at Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park sited in downtown Daegu.

One Autumn Day

2008-11-26T20:40:00.007+09:00

Shilla tombs, Gyeongju

Happiness

2008-11-16T11:23:00.028+09:00

Udhav, one of the Nepali friends is a secondary school teacher in a remote mountain village named Dolakha, located somewhere on the breathtaking panoramic Himalayan range. The above drawing shows the enterance of the village, Dolakha. He loves joking, dancing, laughing and meditation so much.

Nepal is one of the materially poor countries, so rich countries have supported and assisted Nepal in many ways. Once a Japanese volunteer visited Dolakha and met some members of Red cross. Because Udhav was also a leading member of Red cross, the Japanese came to see him.

The Japanese asked Udhav "Is there anything that I can do to help you and your community?"
Udhav didn't answer the question for a short while and said "Are you happy in Japan?"
Then the Japanese got confused at the unexpected question and hesitated what to say.
Udhav said "You are not sure that you are happy in your country. If so, why do you want to help us with anything that is not happy in your country? We are happy without anything you have."

Money may buy happiness. It is not happiness but delusion to be named as happinesss though. Its name is only happiness.

... and then what is happiness?

Gampo Harbor

2008-11-01T20:56:00.029+09:00

감포 Gampo is one of administrative areas on the eastern coast of the peninsular, located to the east of Gyeongju city. It takes about 40 minutes from Gyeongju Bus Terminal to Gampo harbor by bus. Fishing was great all along the sea around Gampo, so during the colonial age, Japanese developed it as a major fishing base. Gampo is still one of the major fishing harbors along the eastern coast line. Pacific saury, anchovy, ray, sea mustard and abalone are caught in and around shore.

Restaurants specialized in Korean style seafood stand close together along the nearby street right next to the sea in port, and local shops and street vendors selling dried fish and seaweed are lined up along the market street. Compared to the tourist area, old Gampo(photo below) to the north of the market area offers a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors feel like that some Japanese style houses on the slope talk silently to the strangers about their forgotten past.

About 4 years ago, Gampo was so crowded with tourists from other places including Daegu who came to taste various seafood like slices of raw fish, broth, and stew and buy seafood every weekend. But since the construction of expressway linking Daegu and Pohang was completed in 2004, the number of visitors has been considerably decreased. Since then, many tourists have crowded to the nearby big harbor, Pohang because they can shorten and save the driving time to get the eastern coast and taste the fresh seafood.

Autumn Reflection

2008-10-15T19:23:00.001+09:00

Lotus leaves and sky reflected in a pond.

Autumn Field

2008-10-05T18:54:00.013+09:00

Korean proverb says that during autumn the sky is high and the horses get fat. Autumn has come to the field, too. The above photo indicates the paddy field near 영해면 Yoeonghae-myeon county subdivision of 영덕군 Yeongdeok-gun county, the eastern coastal area. Yeonghae offers a panoramic view of the plain along the coast. Since the ancient times, this small town has been habitated and regarded as a central place in remote mountain, coastal and field villages around it. So, many historical sites are scattered across the area.

The below one shows the area where the stream near Byeonggog enters the sea. Byeonggog is at the north end of the plain, Yeonghae at the south end. A flock of seagulls are standing along or flying over the stream.

Gateless Gate

2008-09-21T18:20:00.023+09:00

Zen buddhism's core message is 직지인심 견성성불 "direct pointing to the human mind, and attaining Buddhahood." Buddhahood or one's nature is just like water. People feel thirsty in water and can not realize it. Because mind has been tainted by conception and thinking for ages. Buddhists call it "deluded and distorted." Buddhahood can not be thought, formed, or abide. In other words, it is not a matter of knowing or not knowing, understanding or not understanding. It can be only experienced.

According to zen tradition, everything visible, tasteble, audible and touchable is just Buddhahood. It is like a finger pointing to the moon. Most people look at the finger, when a finger points to the moon. Likewise, everything in buddhist temples including religious architectures, statues, disciplines, activities, and events is just a finger. But you should not be cheated by the finger : name and form. Every finger is pointing to the Buddhahood directly. But finger and moon are not dualistic, not separated.

Zen teachers intend to help the seekers go beyond the discriminating mind. Name and form are the main elements of discriminating mind. If the teacher spoke or behaved in the manner that they prefer, he would lead them in the wrong direction. Zen teachers' methods sometimes seem to be illogical, irrational, radical, rude or rough : shouting or striking(beating). In view of westerners who are used to thinking logically and rationally, traditional methods of zen teaching may be thought to be oppressive, offensive, discriminative and unreasonable.

Buddhahood is not buddhahood itself, its name is only buddhahood. There is nothing to be attained in the name of buddhahood. It is just name and conception. But it always exists regardless of its name and conception. We can name it only "this."

What is buddhahood?
The cool wind blows in the morning.

The answer is fully given in the question. This question and answer at seemingly cross-purposes are indicating "this" exactly. As for "this," there should be no alternative except becoming one with "this" immediately or being completely at a loss what to do. If somebody makes efforts to catch, visualize or manipulate what "this" means, they go the wrong way. For the seeker having not experienced "this" so far, just being completely at a loss is a good attitude. But it seems not to be easy because we have been well educated and trained to think and grasp something all our life. So zen seeker needs enlightened master for a guide. The good zen question is to let the seeker be completely at a loss as to "this." And good teachers know well how to do it.

The key teaching for the seekers is, with keen interest, just being at a loss how and what to do as to "this" for a long time, and listening to dharma talks patiently, following the instructions of the trustful and respectable zen master, according to zen tradition. It is just like cooking on a fire. Food will be cooked some time while making and feeding a fire. The only thing the seekers do is just to keep a fire burning. As our mind has been deluded for a long time, it might take a long time to return home from distorted and deluded state. Nobody knows when the moment comes. The moment suddenly comes regardless of your expectations.

Buddha experienced it when he saw a star in the sky at dawn. Somebody experienced it during a walk along the street or washing dishes. But most seekers have usually experienced it during listening to dharma talks. When the moment comes, the seeker can realize for the first time what the ultimate and great freedom is, which means that somebody just crosses the threshold of the gateless gate. The real journey starts at the point. Practices to make sure "this" clearer and deeper should be continued for a lifetime.

Story of Du Sachung

2008-09-15T10:10:00.010+09:00

Toyotomi Hideyoshi who had unified Japan in 1590 was never satisfied with the island country and decided to begin the invasion against the continent to stabilize internal political situation after unification. Hideyoshi intended to conquer Myeong China, 명 (明, Ming in chinese accent), thought that Chosun was not a foe worthy of his steel and requested it to allow undisturbed passage into China. Chosun was the name of Korea during the period of Chosun dynasty(AD 1392 to 1910) . Chosun refused the demand totally, and Hideyoshi finally ordered to launch the invasion of Chosun. Japanese forces invaded Chosun in 1592 and battles continued on the peninsula till 1598. Myeong Dynasty also dispatched army and navy a total strength of about 100,0000 to assist Chosun while Japan invaded Chosun.

Most Koreans don't know what or who Du Sachung is, even most citizens of Daegu don't know either. But history should not not be ignored or forgotten. This is the story of a foreigner who lived in Daegu in 16't century. His life was closely related to the war that Hideyoshi started on the peninsular in 16't century.

두사충, 杜思忠, Du Sachung was the name of a General from Myeong, served as a staff officer under the direction of an Admiral, and offered counsel on battle position and encampment. Actually, he was well acquainted with 풍수, Pung su (風水, Feng shui in Chinese accent), theory of divination based on topography. 풍 Pung literally means wind and 수 Su water. During his stay in Chosun, he distinguished himself in battles against Japanese forces and held a favorable image of Chosun called "Eastern Nation of Decorum."

When Hideyoshi died in 1598, the seven year war also ended, resulting in numerous losses of human life and irrevocable damage to historical and cultural legacies. Troops from Japan and Myeong also returned home. But Du Sachung and his two sons didn't, and decided to stay in Chosun instead. Later they became naturalized in Chosun and settled in Daegu. For his distinguished services to Chosun, Chosun government donated them the land which is presently the area of Gyeongsang gamyeong.

He had also ordinary emotions and feelings like others. He longed for his country and family in Myeong when he got older. So, he made a move to the place at the foot of southern mountain of the valley, which is presently the area of 대명동 Daemyeong Dong in Namgu district. He then named the area Daemyeong Dong meaning Great Myeong. He built an altar for the worship and on the first day of lunar month, he put on an official robe and saluted in the direction of emperor of Myeong so far away.

After death, he was buried at the foot of a mountain which is presently near Nambu(Southern) bus terminal or Manchon subway station. When he was alive, he had already located where he was buried after death. Momyeong Jae, a traditional korean pavilion for performing sacrificial rites for Du Sachung and his decendents can be seen on the way to his grave. Momyeong is his pen name and means longing for Myeong. His and his descendents' tombs are scattered around the nearby hill. Two stone statues of scholars, generals and animals lined up in rows facing each other in front of two tombs symbolize that they protect the departed, which are derived from the confucian tradition.

The photo depicts one of two stone statues of scholar in Momyeong Jae, which was previously located in front of one of the tombs.

Upo

2008-09-03T20:39:00.018+09:00

우포 Upo which is west of Changyeong county is known for swamp(wetland), which is one of Nature's treasures in Korea. The swamp would be easily accessible from all directions and the main gate is about 15 minutes drive from Changyeong Interchange.

The below one shows a nearby farm road leading to the swamp.

Where are you coming from?

2008-08-17T11:45:00.004+09:00

Once zen master 임제스님 Imje asked a monk,"Where are you coming from?"

The monk gave a shout immediately.

The master put his open hands together, bowed low and offered his seat to the monk.

Then the monk hesitated what to say again.

Imje beat him immediately.

Across the Water

2008-08-16T11:44:00.025+09:00

반야용선도, 般若龍船圖, Banya-yong-sun-do means a painting of dragon vessel of wisdom. Prajna in sanskrit or Banya means wisdom of enlightenment, yong dragon, sun vessel and do painting. So, this painting depicts the scene that a group of enlightened people sail across the suffering world toward the paradise by vessel of wisdom. Dragon-shaped vessel means wisdom to free from suffering. Two persons on the prow and stern of the vessel symbolizes Bodhisattvas steering it and guiding the passengers that imply enlightened ones.

Sometimes Buddhist temples in Korea or their main halls symbolize Banyayongsun itself. When visitors look around the main gates of Buddhist temples or stylobate of the main halls, dragon, turtle or crab-shaped carving in wood and stone can be seen. The above one shows the Tongdosa version of Banyayongsundo, which was painted in 1896 on the backside of a building in Tondosa. The below one is a stone bridge near one of the main gates of the monastery.

Entrance Arrow Sign

2008-08-10T11:05:00.016+09:00

This marker is designed for the visitors to the main hall of a traditional Buddhist temple established in 824 during Shilla Kingdom, 석남사 Seoknamsa well known for a monastery for Bikkhuni in sanskrit, Buddhist nuns.

Seoknamsa is one of the branch temples of Tongdosa. The mountain range with Mt. Gaji in the background contains a connected series of mountain peaks including Mt. Unmun on which Unmunsa, a major historical Buddhist monastery for Bikkhuni is located somewhere.

Summer Landscape

2008-08-10T10:18:00.007+09:00

Summer views of traditional village near Hwawon in the eastern Daegu.

Modern History of Daegu

2008-07-31T22:15:00.039+09:00

Daegu fortress which was constructed in 1736 and demolished in 1907, used to be in the middle of Daegu valley. At first, it was built of soil in 1590 and destroyed by Japanese invaders two years later. Historically, it was aimed to protect local people from Japanese invaders. But it was ironically destroyed by pro-Japanese district governor named 박중양, Pak Joong Yang who spoke Japanese very well. Before Japan captured Chosun in 1910 , many Japanese immigrated to Daegu to make money. But they could not have any land and wanted to own land for business and living. Pak decided privately to dismantle the fortress to secure land for Japanese without any permission from government. Pak was later branded as a national traitor and punished after liberation from Japan.

The fortress had the shape of a quadrangle and four big gates. A french traveller who had visited to Beijing in China wrote his impression of Daegu fortress "as a miniature of the castle in Beijing, “ describing the panoramic view of picture perfect field of autumn and the nearby river from the fortress. Today the scale of the fortress can be traced through four roads that lied on the same place of the fortress after the destruction, which were named after their position as follows : Dong-sung-ro, Seosungro, Namsungro and Buksungro. Dong, Seo, Nam and Buk mean east, west, south and north respectively. Sung means fortress and Ro road. The roads are together connected, forming a quadrangle with angles. The circuit of the fortress walls was about 2.65km(1.65mile) and the height 5.6m(18.35ft).

After the fortress demolished, Japanese were permitted to start building shops and residences along both sides of the site of former fortress. It is still easy to find many Japanese style buildings along Buksungro. Huge amounts of stone from the fortress demolished were recycled in many ways and some are still found in the forms of corner stones of nearby church, residences of american missionaries and gardens. At the sites of four gates in four directions lie small stone markers.

The governor in charge of Gyeongsang district, the southeastern region of the peninsular, during chosun dynasty resided in the Daegu fortress. 경상감영, Gyeongsang gamyeong, district governor's office and residence (color photos) , was located away from the site of western gate named Dalseomun (the above photo) of the fortress. This area later became a park with the same name, well known among the locals.

A stone marker which some Chinese character are carved stands at the exit of the park. The usual transportation used by the upper class during Chosun Dynasty was horse but some areas were allowed to ride horses only for special personnels. During the time, this park area belonged to district governor, so the stone marker indicates that anyone below the rank of distrcit governors must dismount from the horse before entering this area.

Tongdosa

2008-07-19T21:02:00.021+09:00

Located on the north of 양산 Yangsan, 통도사 Tongdosa is one of the three treasure buddhist temples in South Korea, which is famous for Buddha's relic held in the main stupa. Tongdo means spiritual enlightenment, liberating mankind from suffering through being harmonized with truth.

This temple was established during Shilla Kingdom and the mountain in the background is 영취산 Mt. Youngchi that symbolizes Vulture Peak (Mt. Gridhrakuta) in northern India where Buddha preached lotus sutra.

All things happen, but nothing has happened.

Hermitage

2008-06-29T07:54:00.051+09:00

염불암, Yeombulam, a buddhist hermitage located on the mid-slope of Mt. Palgong surrounding northern Daegu is one of hermitages affiliated to Donghwasa temple. Yeombul means buddhist prayer and Am buddhist hermitage. This hermitage was set up during Shilla Kingdom(BC 57 ∼ AD 935).

On the way to the hermitage, visitors can see two stone pillars which some chinese characters are carved in low relief. The characters "入此門內 (on the right pillar), 莫存知解" cited from the buddhist scripture written in chinese mean "If you want to pass through this gate (on the right), do not give rise to thinking." "O" is also carved at the beginning of the characters, which means emptiness(공, 空). These letters can be usually found at the gates of buddhist temples in Korea. A large rock stands in the backyard and two Buddhist images are carved on western and southern side.

Land, Sea and Sky

2008-06-12T20:28:00.015+09:00

병곡 Byeonggog on the eastern coast of the peninsula, a small harbor where very few fishing boats were anchored, used to be a simple village, but now it is known for its beach (8 km or 4.97 mile) and seashore among tourists during summer season. The above photo shows the area where the stream near Byeonggog enters the sea, and the other one the typical coastal village along the road.

Mountains in the Sky

2008-06-09T20:21:00.017+09:00

지리산, Jirisan, Mt. Jiri, the biggest mountain range in South Korea and one of the favorite national parks among mountaineers is located in the mid-south region of the Korean peninsula. Many magnificent mountains, valleys and buddhist temples scatter across the park and have been historically, religiously and spiritually loved since ancient times.

On the way to 천왕봉 Cheonwang Bong, the highest peak of the mountain range, hikers can drop in 법계사 Beopgyesa, a buddhist temple which is located on the highest place in South Korea. Since the temple was first built in 544 during 신라 Silla Dynasty(BC 57∼AD 935), it had been burnt and destroyed three times by Japanese and once during the Korean war. So all of the temple and residence have been newly built except a small three story stupa, believed to be built during 고려 Goryo Dynasty (918∼1392), on the top of a rock overlooking the panoramic view of the mountain range with the temple area. The stupa has been revered by buddhists for a long time because relic of the Buddha is held in the stupa.

Lunch is offered free every saturday and sunday at the restaurant attached to the temple. 비빔밥, Bibimbab, mixed rice with vegetables as a fixed meal is served.

Who is asking the way?

2008-05-28T19:20:00.014+09:00

누가 도를 묻는가? 묻고 있는 그것을 떠나지 말게나.
Who is asking the way? Don't be separated from itself that is just asking.

누가 마음을 의심하는가? 의심하는 그것 밖에 다른 것이 없다네.
Who doubts the mind? It is the doubting itself that only exists.

누가 깨달음을 찾는가? 찾고 있는 그것에 모두 갖추어져 있다네.
Who is seeking enlightenment? Everything has already been fully set just in the place where you are seeking.

도가 궁금하면 앞으로 세 발자국 걸어 보라.
If you want to know the way, walk three steps ahead.

마음이 궁금하면 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 헤아려 보라.
If you want to know the mind, count : one, two, three, four.

깨달음이 궁금하면 하늘을 올려다 보고 땅을 내려다 보라.
If you want to know enlightenment, look up and see the sky and look down and see the ground.

이곳의 오월 날씨는 덥지도 않고 춥지도 않아 외출하기도 좋고 일하기도 좋구나.
The weather is neither hot nor cold in May here, it is a perfect day for going out or working..

- 무사인 無事人 , A man who has nothing further to do -

Yangdong Village

2008-05-13T21:36:00.020+09:00

It is getting more and more difficult to find the typical traditional villages in Korea as the nation become increasingly industrialized. 양동 Yangdong located about 16 km northeast of Gyeongju is a unique village where two clan families have lived together from Chosun dynasty(1392-1910). Over 150 traditional houses mostly made of wood, straw, mud and stone sit on a long valley and surrounding hill, offering a peaceful view of field.

Chosun was a class society greatly influenced by Confucian ideals. Yangdong village used to be a typical settlement for the arictocratic class called 양반 Yangban, and two distinguished confucian scholars came from here. The village has been designated by the government as Important Folk Material and three residences in the village also as national treasures.

Spring Persimmon Leaves

2008-05-02T08:27:00.012+09:00

Fundamentally there is not one single phenomenon; who then can speak about defilement and purification?

Banyawol Station

2008-04-23T20:04:00.033+09:00

Japanese colonialists ruling Korea started constrution of the railway linking 대구 Daegu and 영천Yeongchun in February 1916 and opened a station along the railway around 반야월 Banyawol to the east of Daegu in December 1917, which is the second stop from Daegu station. Dongchon station that was also opened in 1917 is located between Daegu and Banyawol station.

Banyawol means half moon, which was derived from the historical event that took place around Banyawol in 927. At that time, Korean peninnsular was in social and political upheaval and got involved in war, and Mt. Palgong and its vicinity became one of the major battlefields. A general called 왕건 Wanggeon had a narrow escape from death after being decisively defeated in the battle near 팔공산 Mt. Palgong and went past this area at dawn while he ran away. Then, half moon in the sky helped him find the way to escape, and he fled to Mt. Ap, Apsan in southern Daegu and found a place to hide. Later he succeeded in rising again and finally unified the peninnsular. And he named this area Banyawol which had helped him run away in the moonlight.

When Banyawol and Dongchon station were closed in December 2005, it has been 92 years since the opening in 1917. The railway line along Banyawol and Dongchon was moved to the southern area due to urban development project. But the two stations were designated as culture properties to be conserved well by concerned government authority.

Puppies

2008-04-15T20:37:00.007+09:00

When I passed by a cottage on the mountain last sunday and found two dogs, one of them was rushing toward me with wagging his tail and the other one barking at me. The white one was very friendly with people and jumped on me with muddy paws. But the other one looked scared and was still barking.

Then, their owner came out and saw the scene, and we exchanged greetings. He worked nearby and smiled, told me the white dog is friendly to people, even strangers. The dog looked less than one year old.

Seon Master

2008-04-09T19:23:00.018+09:00

성철스님 Songchol Sunim(1912-1993) is one of great Seon(Zen) Masters of the 20th century in Korea. It was well known in Korea that he had been a living Buddha because he had lived an extremely ascetic lifestyle and practiced meditation very strictly. He has been estimated to show the true character of spiritual seeker as a buddhist monk.

The above photo shows a small temple attached to 파계사 Pagyesa temple on the foot of Mt. Palgong outside of northern Daegu, in which he had stayed from 1956 to 1963 for practicing meditation without leaving there. Gomusin( rubber shoes) is one of his only mementos including socks, wood staff, rugged clothes which he had worn for 40 years and glasses. All these photos were taken outside of the temple or in legacy pavilion built near his birthplace in Sancheong-gun(county) in Gyeongsangnam-do(province).

Violet & Buds

2008-03-30T21:48:00.010+09:00

After spring rains, a little tiny violet flower is in blossom on the front garden of the company. There is lawn in the nice little garden. Little green buds are coming out on withered grasses, too. Little sprouts and the bare branches of a persimmon tree also can be seen.

Spring Landscape

2008-03-18T20:15:00.017+09:00

Green barley field and mountains around Hyeonpung Myeon, a county subdivision of Dalseong District. Spring has come to 비슬산, Bisulsan, Mt. Bisul in the middle of the mountain range, too. The ruins of 대견사, Dagyeonsa, a Buddhist temple built during Shilla Kingdom(57 BC∼AD 935)are located somewhere on the ridge of Mt. Bisul . Also somewhere nearby is an old stupa on the top of rock. Two peaks of Mt. Ap just outside of southern Daegu and Mt. Bisul are connected by a long ridge. It usually takes about 8 hours on foot.

There is a large Rhododendron colony on the ridge of Mt. Bisul. Rhododendrons in full bloom in spring season attract hikers from across the nation.

Front Floor

2008-03-09T20:02:00.009+09:00

The view of front floor of Buddhist monk's residence in temple. Two pairs(white and black) of rubber shoes, a broom and dustpan can be seen. Someone put his shoes face down to dry in the sun.

Many buddhist monks in Korea usually prefer to wear 고무신, Gomusin, rubber shoes. Gomu means rubber and Sin shoes. Gomusin as simple and cheap rubber shoes had been the most popular shoes among Koreans in the past but now it is not easy to see anyone wearing Gomusin. White and black were the most common colours.

Clay Jars

2008-03-04T21:13:00.008+09:00

Traditional fermented foods like Kimchi, soy bean paste, pepper paste are well stored in jars made of clay for long periods. There were jar stands in front or behind garden in almost every Korean house whose location could change depending on where the most sunny spot is in the house. The designs of jars vary in colour and size as much as those who make them.

In urban districts, it is getting hard to see clay jars as well as jar stands due to change in resident environment.

Winter Wind

2008-02-26T19:32:00.007+09:00

An anemoscope on pole on the primay school ground shows the direction that the wind is blowing from the 북동 northeast to the 남서 southwest. During the winter season, the prevailing winds in Korea are usually from the northwest and northeast.

Clan Village

2008-02-11T23:54:00.011+09:00

In the age of agriculture, Korean clans used to live together. Even if clan villages are not usual in Korea any more, some old clan villages still remain and have been conserved well.

A descendent of 남평 문 Nampyeong Mun clan set up a village in 인흥 Inhung, south of 화원 Hwawon in the mid western Daegu in the 19th century. The clan villages belonging to Nampyeong Mun scatters across the nation and the village in Hwawon is just one of them. Nampyeong means the ancient place name of 나주 Naju, 전라남도 Jeollanamdo province, while Mun is family name. The history of Mun clan begins in 1098 under the reign of Goryo Dynasty(918 to 1392) .

As a clan member of Nampyeong Mun, 문익점 Mun Ikjeom is well known for his contribution to bring cotton seeds secretly from China in 1363. Clothes made of cotton affected and improved the quality of daily life a lot. 문경호 Mun Gyeongho who first built the residence of the clan in Hwawon is a 18th-generation descendent of Mun Ikjeom .

Before the village was laid out, there used to be a devastated Buddhist temple in the area. Visitors can still see a small stupa in front of it. The village is square in shape, so alleys and mud walls are straight with no bends. Traditional houses and earth walls reinforced by stone are worth watching. Apricot orchards in front of the village are in full bloom around early spring.

Just as it is

2008-02-03T11:13:00.000+09:00

The southern ridge trail to 용지봉 Yongji Bong(Peak) located on the eastern 수성구 Suseong-gu District, Daegu.

How can I attain enlightenment?

You have already been enlightened regardless of when you are deluded or aware. Just stop seeking it totally.

Is there nothing left for me to do?

It seems like that even in water, you look for water and feel thirsty, and you are looking for your head with your head, and you look for a horse on horseback.

...

Understand? The cold wind blows outside.

Wooden Ducks

2008-01-07T19:08:00.002+09:00

솟대 Sotdae is newly set up on the peak of 성암산 Sungamsan, Mt. Sungam located to the west of 경산 Gyeongsan.

Sotdae has been religious figure for village residents since ancient times, which consists of wood pole and wooden bird on the top. Village people stood Sotdae at the village entrance for the welfare and good harvest of the village on the day of the full moon of the first month of the lunar year. The wooden birds on the top chiefly depict ducks briefly.

Most ducks are aquatic birds, so the ancients thought the aquatic characteristic of ducks can protect them from fire. Ducks are also fertile and lay many eggs, usually larger then chicken eggs. Besides, ducks are migratory birds and were thought to freely enter and exit this side of the grave and the other world as well as the realm of god and human.

December 31, 2007

2007-12-31T17:18:00.000+09:00

People say that today is the last day of the year, and give it some meaning.

Good-bye 2007 !

Happy New Year ! Wishing you the best for 2008 !

(The photo shows a streetlight on the night of Jan 20 2007. )

Confucian Academy

2007-12-30T20:05:00.004+09:00

도동서원 Dodong Seowon, a confucian academy established in the period of Chosun Dynasty(1392 to 1910) is located to the west of 현풍면 Hyeunpung Myeon, county subdivision of 달성군 Dalseong gun, Dalseong county.

Dodong means that confucian philosophy comes from the east. Visitors can see the wooden name plate of the academy in the main hall, whose letters were written by the King in 1607. This academy was dedicated to 김굉필 Kim Gwoingpil, one of the great scholars during Chosun dynasty and its architectural and historical value have been estimated by designating it as a national treasure in 1963.

Confucian scholars had a preference for the silent and scenic place as Buddhist monks did. The academy against the mountains is close to 낙동강 Nakdong gang, Nakdong river.

Windy Mountain

2007-12-17T21:46:00.002+09:00

Located about half way between 부산 Busan and Daegu, 밀양 Miryang city offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with cultural and historical attractions. About 1300-year-old 표충사 Pyochungsa is one of the well known temples in Miryang.

Behind the temple, a scenic mountain named 재약산 Jaeyaksan, Mt. Jaeyak is located, on the wide plateau of which pampas grasses grow. Several small temples annexed to Pyochungsa are scattered on the mountain. Pampas grass turns yellowish brown in winter, creating a romantic mountain landscape.

The view shows the southern ridge to the summit of Mt. Jaeyak.

Going and Coming

2007-12-01T08:57:00.002+09:00

대구 Daegu is a densely populated valley city surrounded by mountains on the south and north, and hills on the east and west side of the valley. Long mountain range named 팔공산 Palgongsan is situated on the north. At the foot of Mt. Palgong, 동화사 Donghwasa temple is located, which is famous for its long history in Korean Buddhism. The summit of Mt. Palgong offers a lovely panoramic view of the whole city.

Winter has returned to the temple. Monks in Donghwasa temple have already finished preparing for winter. The photo shows one of old wooden lattice doors of the temple, decorated with the shapes of lotus flower.

Neither inside nor outside.

Neither going out nor coming in.

What is this?

Glimpse of Time

2007-11-16T22:08:00.000+09:00

At the front edge of door of traditional house in the farming village named 한개 Hangae in 성주군 Seongju gun Seongju county to the west of Daegu , two ears of corn are hung up to be used for sowing seeds in spring. The photo below depicts door knob of some other house in the village.

Autumn Excursion

2007-11-07T21:31:00.002+09:00

주왕산, Mt. Juwang, Juwangsan National Park is located in the mid-eastern region of the peninsula. From Daegu, it took longer time than expected due to heavy traffic. Nearly all of the trails near the main entrance of the park were crowded with many tourists and hikers who enjoyed the picturesque natural beauty of the mountain decorated in autumn colors. Maple leaves have turned yellow and red and some trees were dropping their leaves already.

We stopped at a rest stop on the pass of mountains to the south of Juwangsan, and had a snack. Popular Korean snack, fish paste cakes threaded on bamboo skewers are boiled in kettle. Green onion and pumpkin are put in the middle and eggs just outside of the kettle.

Like a floating cloud

2007-11-03T21:01:00.000+09:00

On the way to Nogodan, one of the main climbing peaks of 지리산 Mt. Jiri, Jirisan National Park located in the south-west area of Korean peninsula.

Put the whole of Mt. Jiri into a mustard seed.

Mt. Songni in Autumn

2007-10-22T21:07:00.002+09:00

About 20 years have passed since I first visited 속리산, Songnisan, Mt. Songni . The mountain range and Beopjusa temple at the foot of the mountain were the same as before. 속리 Songni means “leaving the worldly life.” The name of this mountain was originated from the story of a Buddhist monk who entered this mountain for practicing meditation about 1200 years ago.

Autumn is coming to Songnisan National Park. As the autumn wears on, the maple leaves turn pale yellow or soft gold and eventually red.

Wheat and Grapes

2007-10-07T17:58:00.000+09:00

The above photo was taken in front of the main gate room of Benedictine nunnery in western Daegu and the below one shows the statue of St. Benedict and the nunnery building.

Mountain Temple

2007-09-29T09:24:00.000+09:00

청량산 Cheongryangsan, Mt. Cheongryang provincial park belongs to the county named 봉화 Bonghwa located in the mid-eastern portion of South Korea. About 1300 year-old Buddhist temple, 청량사 Cheongryang-Sa is on the upper half of the mountain. The above photo shows a small temple annexed to it and the below one Cheongryang-Sa overview.

What is the way?

It is a cool day today.

Autumn's Arrival

2007-09-26T10:02:00.000+09:00

Cosmos flowers and cricket sounds are the typical symbols of autumn in Korea. Long, hot and sticky summer has completely gone and cool autumn comes.

Autumn is the harvest season and offers us the abundant gifts of nature, so an old Korean proverb says that the sky is high and the horses get fat during autumn.

Grapes in the fall

2007-09-22T21:16:00.000+09:00

경산 Gyeongan is located on the east side of Daegu and famous for its sweet grapes and peachs. The above photo shows Gyeongsan grapes in the fall of 2007.

Room 11

2007-09-15T20:57:00.001+09:00

Whenever I visited Kathmandu, Nepal, I used to stay at Yak lodge. The residence is simple and unpretending digs located on the upper floors of Yak restaurant in Thamel, a famous tourist area in Kathmandu.

The restaurant and lodge are managed by a warm-hearted tibetan family. Delicious western, chinese, indian cuisine and some local food are served at reasonable prices. It had been my second home in Nepal for ten years.

Acceptance

2007-09-02T17:51:00.001+09:00

In early autumn, we have had lots of rain for over a week.

There has been nothing to gain or lose...

Dragonfly

2007-08-19T20:32:00.000+09:00

As the summer is getting longer, lots of dragonflies can be seen in the sky, and one of the dragonflies in the cloudy sky sits on a reed stem.

Hodie Mihi, Cras Tibi

2007-08-19T11:00:00.000+09:00

Hodie Mihi, Cras Tibi is from the latin meaning "Today me, Tomorrow you" and inscribed on both sides of the gate of catholic cemetery in Daegu.

Take a Sip of Water

2007-08-17T09:16:00.001+09:00

Hikers can take a sip of water as they pass a small spring on the mountain.

Travel Mate

2007-07-28T21:03:00.001+09:00

Visitors

2007-07-21T16:19:00.000+09:00

Cicadas on the insect screen in an apartment.

Green Summer

2007-07-17T20:01:00.000+09:00

The above two photos show persimmons and pumkins.

Urinating Forbidden

2007-07-11T20:40:00.001+09:00

Sometimes home owener needs this sign, but probably public urinators don't like the scissors^^.

Budding Grape

2007-06-16T15:15:00.000+09:00

Budding grape clusters in the vineyard around Gyeongsan.

Under the Eave

2007-06-13T20:36:00.000+09:00

An old house on the outskirts of Gyeongsan reminds a passer-by of time passed.

Who tied you up?

2007-06-05T22:01:00.000+09:00

Master, let me ask you, how can I attain liberation?

Who tied you up?

Nobody tied me up.

Then why do you seek liberation?

Along the Trail

2007-05-27T20:46:00.003+09:00

Neither appearing nor disappearing...

Paper Lanterns

2007-05-25T20:38:00.000+09:00

A lotus lantern festival is held to cerebrate the birth of Buddha during the weekend before the birth date in Korea. Buddha's birthday is on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. So, the birthday in this year 2007 is May 24. The Buddhists decorated the temple with the handmade lanterns made from rice paper and bamboo. In the evening the Buddhists marched in a parade on the streets. The Lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment in Buddhism, which rises clean and untainted out of muddy waters.

Various forms of Lantern are displayed in front of Daebi(Great Mercy) Buddhist temple near Gyeongsan for this year's parade.

Country Landscape

2007-05-02T21:11:00.000+09:00

Jaeho was born in a small town named Cheongdo, which is located to the south of Gyeongsan. It is about 30 km or 18 miles away. From time to time, he rides a bike to go there from Gyeongsan. It takes about two and half an hour by bike. There is a high pass called Namsunghyeon-Jae between the two regions, which means village name near it and pass respectively. As the road descends from the peak to Cheongdo, you can enjoy a typical rural atmosphere.

The above photo shows the area surrounging Cheongdo.

Flower on the Road

2007-04-23T14:14:00.000+09:00

The seeds fall to the earth and grow into flowers.

Fallen Petals

2007-04-22T08:05:00.000+09:00

There has been neither coming nor going,

neither staying nor leaving.

Warm Memory

2007-04-03T21:27:00.000+09:00

The typical front view of traditional rural house in Korea. Lattice door, seive made from bamboo, and mud wall can be seen. The mud wall was partly repaired with cement instead of mud. The trditional paper is pasted on the door.

Relaxation

2007-03-25T20:04:00.000+09:00

Three Buddhas

2007-03-24T14:53:00.000+09:00

Buddha images carved into one of the rocks of Mt. Namsan in Gyeongju which is located to the east of Gyeongsan, about 70 km from it.

Spring Blossom

2007-03-13T20:09:00.001+09:00

Spring is in the air.