Hwagyesa Temple in Seoul.

[StarryNightshade]

During my 4 month student exchange, I am the only non-Christian student (and probably will be for the duration of my stay). When I arrived, I thought my place of worship would be the local Hare Krishna temple, but it actually closed down a couple of months before I got here. I knew of the Buddhist temple near my school, but I haven't had the chance to go until today. The temple itself (called Hwagyesa) is a Zen temple of the Jogye order. I think this will be my spiritual and contemplative refuge while I spend my time here in Korea. Its not quite the same as a Hindu temple, but close enough.

Thought I would share some pictures I took today.

Spoiler: Guardian at the entrance...I think?

Spoiler: Drum and bronze bell.

Spoiler: Shrines

Spoiler: Shrine

Spoiler: Altar 1

Spoiler: Altar 2

Spoiler: Altar 3

 

[Terese]

Closed down? Any reason why?

 

[StarryNightshade]

Closed down? Any reason why?

Lack of donations and funds, from what I gathered. The priest and deities went back to India sometime in June.

 

[Terese]

Lack of donations and funds, from what I gathered. The priest and deities went back to India sometime in June.

Ah i see. Hope the murtis aren't stored somewhere, but are worshiped lovingly.

 

[StarryNightshade]

Ah i see. Hope the murtis aren't stored somewhere, but are worshiped lovingly.

I hope so too.

 

[Vinayaka]

Looks like a peaceful temple, Starry. I believe I could sit still there for awhile. I'm glad you found such a place. It should cushion the effects of immersion in an unfamiliar culture, I would think.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Hwagyesa

Just remember, Lord Buddha is the ninth avatara of Lord Vishnu. When you worship Buddha, you are worshiping Lord Vishnu. Kindly inform us about literal meaning of Hwagyesa - seems like Vagyesha - Vac + Isha - Lord of the word.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

During my 4 month student exchange, I am the only non-Christian student (and probably will be for the duration of my stay). When I arrived, I thought my place of worship would be the local Hare Krishna temple, but it actually closed down a couple of months before I got here. I knew of the Buddhist temple near my school, but I haven't had the chance to go until today. The temple itself (called Hwagyesa) is a Zen temple of the Jogye order. I think this will be my spiritual and contemplative refuge while I spend my time here in Korea. Its not quite the same as a Hindu temple, but close enough.

Thought I would share some pictures I took today.

Spoiler: Guardian at the entrance...I think?

Spoiler: Drum and bronze bell.

Spoiler: Shrines

Spoiler: Shrine

Spoiler: Altar 1

Spoiler: Altar 2

Spoiler: Altar 3

Beautiful!

 

[Bhadr]

Great pics.Thanks for sharing and I hope you are having a good time.

Hwagyesa - seems like Vagyesha - Vac + Isha - Lord of the word.

Probably
Hwa Gye Sa (Hwa Gye Temple) - The suffix Sa means temple in Korean acc. to Googleji; located in the valley ,Hwagyegol

 

[StarryNightshade]

Hwa Gye Sa (Hwa Gye Temple) - The suffix Sa means temple in Korean acc. to Googleji; located in the valley ,Hwagyegol

Pretty much. I think it means something along the lines of "The temple in the valley." Could be wrong, though.