On Saturday, June 7th, David and I met my friend, Jackie, for a brief tour of Seoul before David returned to Portland, Oregon. I had met Jackie when she was in my class at Arizona State University in February as part of a group of 39 teachers sponsored by Korean National University of Education. I e-mailed her before I arrived in Korea, and she has come to act as a guide both on the 7th and 14th. We were very lucky to have her help, as she knew just where to take us and how to get there.
The first two things we did on the 7th were to take a walk by this beautiful urban river that runs through the middle of Seoul. I thought it was a wonderful addition to the landscape and a peaceful place to sit near or walk by. Apparently it has been a source of controversy, however, because Seoul's mayor, Lee Myung-bak, tore down a highway to build the river walkway. This was only the first of his troubles; he is now President Lee and the target of the protesters who gather by the tens of thousands in the middle of the city every night.
Jogyesa Temple is the only Buddhist temple in the old part of Seoul. It was built in 1910, so it is relatively new. According to one website, the temple is dedicated to Huineng, who lived between 683-713. "Born poor and illiterate, Master Huineng attained enlightenment on hearing the Diamond Sutra being chanted while he was selling wood. Eventually he was recognized by the Fifth Patriarch and became his successor. His teachings are simple. One of the most beautiful sayings ascribed to him is a true example of Buddhism. 'In all conditions we should be humble and polite.'＂
That sounds like good advice to me.
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