May’s most popular holiday, Buddha’s Birthday, is the biggest holiday in Buddhism. Buddhism, along with Islam and Christianity, is a world-class religion and at the same time the oldest one in human history. In Korea, Buddha’s Birthday is designated as a public holiday, so its meaning is more special. The reason why foreigners enjoy temple stays and temple food is that Buddhist culture has had a profound influence on Korean history for a long time. Since the Three Kingdoms Period of Korea, Buddhism has been a religion that gives people peace of mind. On the occasion of the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday, Pharos will learn about the beginning and meaning of Korean Buddhism, as well as its cultural properties and related events. 

 Buddhism has always been with us since the Three Kingdoms Period. In Korea, Buddhism did not come directly from India, the birthplace of Buddhism, but from China. It cannot be denied that it has had a profound impact on the lives and minds of the Korean people from the past to the present. Buddhist culture is also imprinted on people who believe in other religions because Buddhism has influenced Korean society and culture for generations. Although society’s general perception of religion is not the same as before, many people still follow the teachings of religion. In other religions, there is a tendency to have absolute faith, but Buddhism is different. It does not promote absolute trust in God as other religions do. In Buddhism, there are many people who embrace the culture and feel connected to it. Even if they do not believe in Buddhism, they enjoy the quietness of the mountain temple, feel the beauty of the sound of Buddhist bells, and are fascinated by the worship of monks. As such, Buddhism is a familiar religion to all people living in Korea.

 People can see famous Buddhist temples in crowded Seoul and Gyeonggi Province because Buddhism has existed here for a long time. Bongeunsa, located in the center of Gangnam, is a temple near Samsung Station. For this reason, many visitors tour the temple. Bongeunsa was built in the Silla period. It is known for its role in the revival of Buddhism in the Joseon period. It is considered a valuable historic site. People can feel history through Bongeunsa because it is located downtown, surrounded by high buildings. Foreign travelers like to visit Bongeunsa, so tourists can see not only local Koreans but also foreigners. Bongeunsa is famous for its early spring scenery because the apricot flowers blossom earlier than in other areas. The temple’s image changes with every season, so people can enjoy the weather at the temple. There are two types of temple stays, divided into an experience stay and a rest stay. Tourists should select one type of temple stay and learn about Buddhism. People may think temples that have a deep-rooted and famous history are hard to visit. However, Bongeunsa is located in the center of the city and nearby a major station, so many people can visit it easily. It provides people with an area to rest nowadays. In addition, there is another urban temple located nearby Kyonggi University’s Suwon campus. It is called Bongnyeongsa. Bongnyeongsa is a good place for walking because it takes only 30 minutes from campus. It was established 1000 years ago, so it is historic. People have practiced Buddhism in Bongnyeongsa up through the present day. If people visit Bongnyeongsa, they can see the golden tower. This tower preserves Buddha’s sarira. For people who want to walk nearby campus, Pharos recommends visiting Bongnyeongsa.  

 Buddha’s Birthday is the biggest holiday in Buddhism. It is the day that celebrates Buddha’s birth. The day of Buddha’s Birthday, April 8th, 624 B.C. on the lunar calendar, is designated as a holiday. Buddhism celebrates this day with many events. Buddha’s Birthday was designated as an annual holiday in Korea in 1975. Every April of the lunar calendar, people can see lotus lanterns. These lanterns celebrate Buddha’s birth and freedom from darkness and pain. They make a religious wish for the world with wisdom and mercy at the same time. Our dark and oppressive minds will be changed to be bright and warm like Buddha’s wisdom. People can see lotus lanterns easily not only at temples but also on the street. At temples, Buddhist monks have a lantern procession. The lantern procession is an event where monks fan the flames of the lotus lantern and march around the top. After the lantern procession, they send the lantern up to the sky. This is the last event of Buddha’s Birthday. In addition to the lantern release, a water play and circling the pagoda are events to celebrate the holiday. Various events are held around Buddha’s Birthday, so it can be a memorable experience if people visit a temple during Buddha’s Birthday. 

 The Tripitaka Koreana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a representative cultural heritage of Buddhism. This is a sacred Buddhist writing made to survive the Mongol invasion. Since the past, people have sought religion for recovery when their minds were struggling. Still now, many people visit nearby temples when they are tired of society and want to calm themselves down. Buddhism has always been part of history with us at the time of the nation’s hardships and trials and the moments to restore them. “Don’t stay in the past, don’t dream of the future, and focus your mind on the present moment,” said the Buddha. As Buddhism teaches, we must do our best in the present life so that we do not regret it in the future.

80th Reporter • KIM YU JIN • yujinkim627@gmail.com

80th Reporter • CHOI JUN HONG • chloi0058@naver.com