Buddhist Temple Stay

Hi! We have been discussing it up on our discussion board for the last few weeks and I wanted to share with you guys some things that I'm really excited about.
On June 23, we are going to the city of Taegu near Mt. Kaya in South Korea. We will be there during the day at the Gyeongsan Girl's High School (where I will be presenting American school culture to the students, teachers, and parents). That afternoon we will travel to the Hae'in-sa Temple. It means Temple of Reflections on a Smooth Sea. I have been researching this temple and its history to better familiarize myself with the culture and traditions I will encounter.
The picture above is of the Daejeonkkwangjeon, the main worship hall. Hae'in-sa is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (named in 1995). It is also considered a Korean National Treasure. The reason for this is because it houses the Tripitaka Koreana. Back in the 13th century, Korea was at war with the Mongols. The Korean government thought that if they gave some sort of special offering up to Buddha he would protect them, so they set out to carve the Tripitaka. The Tripitaka was carved from 1237-1248. The Koreans carved in 25,382,960 Classical Chinese Characters the entire Buddhist scriptures. They were carved on 81,258 double sided woodblocks. The woodblocks were made of white birch, soaked and boiled at sea for 3 years, and then dried in shade for 3 years. They are still housed today at the temple.
We are going to the temple to talk with the monks and experience first hand how they go about their daily routines. We will wear traditional clothing, eat on the floor (vegetarian-without talking too much), go to ceremonies, spend the night, meditate, go on a morning walk (after waking up at 3am), and make a 108 bead prayer rosary. I'm really looking forward to this part of the trip. It will be a memorable experience that will benefit me in teaching my students. Talk to ya soon!