Yesterday, the rain eased just enough for a stroll around Tongdosa Temple. This is one of Korea’s top three temples. Established in the 600’s, it is one of the oldest, but also best examples of Korean temples. The site is revered by Buddhists as it contains the actual robes of the Buddha. Therefore, according to their traditions, one who is ordained in Tongdosa is presumed to have been ordained by the Buddha himself.

They’re preparing to repaint this structure, so it’s missing the usual bright colors. This building dates from the 17th century and is the main temple. A number of smaller, lesser status temples (i.e. lesser Bodhissatvas or deities “reside” there) litter the site.

This stone stupa, set off from the temples, dates from the 1300s. Most temples have a large stupa in front, butTongdosa doesn’t. Instead, they have a place where they keep the relics of the THE Buddha. That was impressive.

Me, in front of  one of the smaller temples and a small reflecting pool. It’s only September 2nd when this shot was taken, but already its long shirt-sleeve weather. I don’t think summer is over here yet, but it was nice not to be sweating profusely outdoors for once. I love having Koreans try to pronounce the English name of the tree behind me. Crepe Myrtles are common in many gardens and native to Asia. It’s a hoot to hear them try that word.

This carving was in the museum on site.  It depicts the Buddhas and several other deities in various historical settings. It’s carved from a single log and folds up nicely, perfect for carry-on luggage. It reminded me of some of the things my father used to carve in wood.

I had neglected to check my camera batteries before leaving the house and they ran out before I’d seen all of the place. I missed getting pictures of some the trees.  The site has been there so long that some of the trees had wrapped themselves around boulders as they grew. Many had twisted, enlarged trunks that engulfed the stones while others had branches rejoin above the boulders forming ‘X” structures.

In the far corner of the temple grounds, was this prayer square. The idea is to pace the square, stopping at each of the four sides (all temples and adjoining structures are always aligned perfectly with east-west-north-south)  and offer prayers for the coming year. I paced it once, offering my own prayers in my own way to my own God.

Overall, what this place lacked in brightly colored temples, it made more than made up for in history. It difficult to imagine the number of lives lived in a place that has remained standing for nearly 1400 years.