Exploring Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is located in central Seoul and is one of the most important Buddhist temples. The temple was established in 1910 and the building was in 1937. It is a place for people to come together for worship, including meditation and rituals, to connect with their spirituality, and find peace and inner calm.

At Jogyesa Temple, there are often events and exhibitions that showcase Korean culture such as traditional dances, musical performances, classes where you can make lotus lanterns, and tea ceremonies. These events are especially frequent around the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday, which will fall on April 8, 2023 according to the Lunar calendar.

Since Jogyesa Temple is located in the heart of Seoul, there are many attractions around the temple for tourists to visit such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Insa-dong, and Cheonggyecheon.

If you are planning a visit to Jogyesa Temple, here is some information about the site and programs. First, tours of Jogyesa Temple are regularly offered and include visits to the following monuments: Great Hero Hall, Paradise Hall, Avalokiteshvara Hall (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), and the Bell Pavilion. These monuments are significant to the site and learning about them will enrich your understanding of Buddhism.

At Jogyesa Temple, you are welcome to join in the rituals where mantras are chanted. The chanting rituals occur four times each day, at 4:30 am, 10:30am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. Sometimes the schedule may change depending on the special event or prayer. When you join a ritual, you can learn about and experience the three vows of Buddhism and why practitioners must bow 108 times too.

The International Dharma Instructors Association (IDIA) also offers a free one-day temple stay. The experience includes making a Lotus flower lantern, writing a postcard, copying proverbs; or with a Buddhist Nun (fee of 30,000 won for two hours), you can attend a tea ceremony, and a singing ball meditation.

Jogyesa Temple Etiquette

1. Wear the provided vest to distinguish yourself as a guest

2. Do not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, pajamas or sandals

3. Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited inside of the temple complex

4. Speak quietly, keeping your voice low

5. Do not run

6. Be on time and participate in the program with a positive attitude

What is Chanting?

In Buddhism, chanting is a type of spiritual practice, of repetitively reciting certain words or phrases in Sanskrit, Pali or other languages, in unison or solo sometimes, accompanied by musical instruments such as bells, drums, or wooden balls. The objective is to purify the mind, create positive energy, express devotion to the Buddha or other Buddhist figures, and connect with the divine. Chanting may also help cultivate mindfulness and wisdom.

The most common forms of Buddhist chanting are

1. The recitation of the Diamond Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, or the Heart Sutra, which are considered the essence of Buddhist teachings

2. Mantra chanting, which is the repetition of sacred words or phrases mostly in Sanskrit or Pali language

3. Repeatedly call the name of Buddha or bodhisattvas.

Benefits of Chanting

1. Enhance Mindfulness: repeating phrases or sounds with intention and concentration helps clear the mind to focus on the present moment and cultivate mindfulness, thereby training the mind to be present and aware in the moment

2. Increase mental clarity: it can promote calmness and clarity, help reduce stress and anxiety levels, and