Monday, September 13, 2021

Backyardigans - Borisa & Seonamsa Temples

There is so much to do right in our backyard. Well, not our literal backyard, but within a few minutes drive. I looked on the map and picked a spot. It had 2 tractional ponds and a temple all clustered together, so I thought it sounded like a good place to walk.
Look--I found a 4H sign. Who knew?!
Usually tractional ponds are pretty little lotus ponds, but unfortunately these were not. We struck out there, but Borisa Temple was a nice little surprise. The temple buildings themselves were not much to look at, but there were some cool zodiac statues.
The Buddhist zodiac symbols are not like the Western zodiac symbols based on the lunar year. This is based on Chinese zodiac divination. Buddhism believes that everyone was born with a blessing from a certain Bodhisattva. Your animal is based on the year you were born.
I am the year of the rooster.
We each found our zodiac animal.
Besides for the zodiacs, Borisa Temple only had a couple old buildings.

Trish, Linda, Ashlee, Chuey and Laura
It's a tiny Chuey-sized door!
The clouds were hanging very low. It almost looks like a bad photo shop job.
On the way home we drove by Seonamsa Temple, so we stopped in there, too. I know you are probably thinking that you have already seen a post about Seonamsa Temple in Sacheon. Oh, you didn't notice that? Well, Chuey and I have already been here and posted about it once, but these ladies had not seen it yet so we stopped by since it was on our way.
These four angry looking guys heavenly kings guard the temple, each watching over one of the four cardinal directions. They belong to the four realms and protect the Buddha's masters and his disciples, in addition to preventing all kinds of evil things from invading.
I heard that this legend came to Korea from another culture, which is why the guardians do not have Korean shaped eyes. ❓
One day I hope to hear the drums being played by the monks when I am at a temple. No such luck yet.
Such attention to detail in the carved wood and paint.
It's Noah's Arc! OK, not Noah, but it is some kind of rainbow story.
[September 1]

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