just another American teacher in SK

The lotus lantern custom goes a long way back in history.  I first learned of the lotus flower when I was in China.  The lotus blossom represents purity and Buddha, and so it has been depicted in many paintings, decorations and sculptures in Buddhist scenes.  Unlike other flowers, the lotus normally blooms in dirty swamps and lakes. No matter how dirty the water and surroundings may be, the blossom remains clean.  This feature of the flower allowed Buddhists to believe that Buddha himself was like the lotus ― clean, despite dirty surroundings.

There is a Buddist saying that goes: “Please attain Buddhism in your next lifetime by lighting a lantern in this life.”  Through lotus lanterns, not only does the dark become bright, but Buddhists believe that the light brings enlightenment to those who are in pain and are lost.  I’m feeling a little “lost” right now, so the Lotus Lantern Festival seems like the place to be.

We made the trek into Seoul yesterday late afternoon for the “Eve Celebration”, the lighting of the lanterns.  Unfortunately, it began to rain heavily shortly before the commencement of the lighting ceremony and most of the activities had to be cancelled.  Bummer.  All of the lanterns (rice paper) had to be wrapped in plastic and the performers were draped in rain ponchos (which kind of steals away the beauty of the pageantry), but it was still really remarkably beautiful and emotionally-inspiring experience.

The main event started today, with a Buddhist Street Festival carried out on the streets in front of the Jogye Temple, Seoul’s largest Buddhist temple and the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.  There are about 100 booths where visitors are encouraged to participate in making lotus lanterns, Buddha painting, learning how to meditate, and savoring temple food and more.  The weather is still a bit iffy ~ cool and overcast ~ so I decided to just stay home, put on my sweats, drink massive quantities of coffee, and camp out in my spacious abode.

There will be other festivals …but I am a bit disappointed that I’ve missed this one.

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