Which temple did you visit on Buddha’s Birthday?

Though I am not a Buddhist, I was eager to see the ceremony on Buddha’s Birthday at least once.

Then I came across news that there would be a Buddha’s Birthday ceremony at Cheonggyesa Temple, followed by an onsite broadcast of the KBS radio program “Lee Mu-song and Lim Su-min’s Music of Hope” and a temple concert. So I headed to Cheonggyesa Temple.

It was a valuable visit since the event would be joined by famous singers and celebrities like Jang Yoon-jeong, Choi Jin-hee, Kim Heung-guk and Shin Yoo. On that day, the entry of general cars was strictly forbidden; on every Buddha’s Birthday, there is a shuttle operated from Indeokwon to Cheonggyesa Temple, and this year was no exception. I got on the shuttle at the second station, which is Deokjang Middle School, and got off at the final station.

At the final station, many seniors got on the shuttle bus to go to Cheonggyesa Temple, while young people strolled up to the temple, passing through Cheonggye Mountain Park and along a trail. It was a beautiful day in May for a stroll. Lines of families, friends and couples walking up to the temple really showed how popular Cheonggyesa Temple is.

Every Buddha’s Birthday, a total of 30 thousand people visit the temple; it is a day when people can try temple cuisine.

After climbing up the stairs on a sharp slope, you will see Sacheonwang and the precincts of the temple.

Around the Keukrakbojun, the main temple building, there are Samsung-gak, Jijang-jeon and Yosa-chae. What is special about this place is that there is a gigantic Wabul, a Buddhist statue.

With blooming lotus shapes over the temple buildings, this is the most beautiful time of the year at the temple.

These are scenes of people lined up to offer water scooped up in a gourd as if they were refreshing their mind and spirit with water. It seems that they are scooping with their hearts, hoping that everything they wish for comes true.

My heart warmed at the sight of all Catholic priests and nuns from Uiwang City celebrating this Buddhist holiday regardless of their religion.

The event started with a congratulatory address and the introduction of the main monk and institution chiefs. Over 20 to 30 thousand people attended the ceremony. It truly was a celebratory event.

Behind the guests, there was an altar portrait of Buddha on the wall.

This picture portrays a small child taking part in the ceremony with her grandmother in front of the Wabul statue. She was praying so hard. What was the child praying for?

Why are they lined up and leaving the Buddhist ceremony behind for a while?

I went to see what they were doing. The reason everyone was waiting was the temple cuisine, which was offered from five in the morning to three in the afternoon. Temple cuisine is provided for free every Buddha’s Birthday. With so many people lined up, it appeared that over 20 thousand people tried the dishes.

Under the scorching sun, everyone filled up the temple, leaving no empty space. There was a live radio program broadcast. There was reportedly a quiz event where prizes were given.

It was a day when everyone had enjoyable time at the temple regardless of their religion.

Hooray~~

The singers attending the event sang about two to three songs, adding excitement to the atmosphere. Also, idol groups and girl groups appeared on the stage, making the place seem like a concert.

There was more than the striking of woodblocks and sutras in the silent temple. Buddha’s Birthday was truly a time when everyone could enjoy the ceremony and concert together.

Cheonggyesa Temple

Mt 11 Mountain Cheonggye, Uiwang City, Gyeonggi Province

Exit #2 at Indeokwon Station of Line #4

Village Bus #10, #10-1

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