TONGDOSA

Korean traditions and culture

Transcribing Sutras/ Making Prayer Beads/ Buddhist Painting
Making lotus lanterns/ Tea ceremony/ Mantra

Traditional Buddhist Practices

Seon Meditation

Seon(Jap: Zen) Meditation means turning our attention inwards and illuminating our True selves. If we maintain this in our daily lives, then no matter where we are or what we do. we will never be separated from our true nature. Then we can truly live our lives for all beings.

Monastic Formal Meals(baru-gongyang)

The entire community dines, together, sharing the same food, and not even a drop of water is wasted. When we realize that eating is also part of our practice, we feel gratitude for the food that is served, and receive it keeping in mind that it is only medicine to support our bodies in order to attain enlightenment.

108 prostrations

By physically lowering our bodies, humbling our selfish egos before the universe. We realize that we are not separate from this world. Performing 108 prostrations is yet another path towards the realization of the True Self, and a very effective form of meditation in motion.

Tea ceremony

The history of tea begins 1,300 years ago when it was brought to Korea during the reign of Queen Seondeok. Our ancestor believed that drinking tea purifies our body and mind, and is a medium for finding the truth.

Relaxation

Conversation with a monk, walking meditation, together with nature.