There are many types of temples in Golgulsa (Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do), but if it is a temple built on such a steep slope, it would have been far from a popular landmark. Famous for its caves with holes, Golgulsa dates back to the Silla period. I have heard the story of the founding of Golgulsa in detail. From the outside, it looks no different from a regular temple made mainly of wood, but once you go inside, you can see that the main hall is a cave made of natural stones. That is why Golgulsa is called the Donwang Stone Cave of Korea. The entrance is so narrow that only one person can fit through it, like a paradise gate. Even after exiting the paradise gate, a thousand-foot cliff continues, and you feel that there is something dramatic left to encounter, but when the stone-carved Buddha approaches like lightning, it is more than enough to overwhelm the sentient beings. Treasure No. 581, the stone-carved Buddha looks at King Munmu in the sea off Gampo beyond the mountain with a calm smile. Golgulsa Temple is widely known as a temple of Seonmudo, a traditional Buddhist practice, and is also famous as a temple where foreigners come to learn it. In particular, Seonmudo gymnastics, which are said to resemble the physical characteristics of animals, provide an exciting spectacle no matter when you see them. Seonmudo gymnastics is also said to be excellent for increasing immunity to various diseases and strengthening bones and muscles. It seems to be great for cultivating flexibility and a sense of balance. In accordance with the teachings of Buddha, who sought to attain enlightenment through harmonious control of the mind and body without leaning toward either one, Buddhism has continued the tradition of training the mind and body. Before the abolition of the caste system with the Gabo Reform, it would not have been difficult to see monks working hard on training the mind and body in temples across the country. Therefore, Golgulsa Temple is continuing the tradition of Buddhist martial arts that had been lost. If you think about the word “Buddhism for the protection of the country” that you heard so many times in middle and high school history classes, you can guess that there must have been a deep connection between monks and martial arts. Including Monk Hyeon-gi, who has been practicing Seonmundo for 9 years, and ordinary people who are interested in martial arts itself, more than ten people are currently practicing at Golgulsa Temple. The monk form, which can be called the Seonmundo form, unfolds to the sound of the chief monk's drum. In Buddhism, controlling the body means a journey to find the source within oneself and a belief that one will meet the Buddha within oneself who is obscured by greed and obsession. The spirit of Seonmudo is that if one overcomes the limitations of the body and diligently practices, one can reach the energy of life that has flowed from the beginning. Although their appearance and clothing may have been different, this must have been the training scene of the Silla Hwarang, who traveled to famous places and cultivated their spirit. The warrior spirit of the Hwarang, who did not spare their lives for the country, became the cornerstone of the unification of the three kingdoms of Silla and greatly contributed to the cultivation of our national sentiment that prioritizes the community. The martial arts that formed the basis of Hwarangdo training, and the Seonmudo movements that fit it, are now extraordinary. The temple day begins again with a ritual that awakens all living things from their slumber and awakens all living beings from delusion. Thanks to the fame of Seonmudo, Golgulsa Temple, which has become a famous temple stay, has many attendees even for the first service. It wakes up the dawn and wakes me up one step ahead of nature. The Balwoo offering has begun. The Balwoo, which means a monk's rice bowl, consists of four bowls for rice, soup, side dishes, and water. When offering at a temple, the rule is for the public to gather in one place like this. This is because it is considered a discipline to set etiquette and act accordingly even when taking a spoonful of rice. Only enough food is served so that there is no leftover or shortage. There are many things to keep in mind when offering Balwoo. You must not make noise, you must not judge whether it is delicious or not, and you must be careful with your words so that distracting thoughts do not arise. This is a long-standing tradition to prevent people from taking the offerings they have received lightly. After eating, rinse the bowl with the water you have saved and clean it to maintain its original shape. The true meaning of the bowl offering is to fill your stomach with food and fill your mind and heart with precepts. Another day of training begins according to the Buddhist law that hopes to always stay awake as long as life exists. Since Buddhism prohibits killing, there are things you must not forget when practicing martial arts, especially when using tools. If you are hardened, it is difficult to open, and if you are biased, it is difficult to achieve harmony, so the path of training that seeks unity with the universe becomes more difficult as time goes by. Since ancient times, places where the energy of nature is mysterious have given great and small enlightenment to those who seek the secrets of existence and the universe. Please stay, empty, and govern that nature and I are not two, and awaken. I hope that your quiet but firm choices will take you one step further every day. #KoreanTravel #Monk #Temple #Hermitage #ShaolinSa #MartialArts #MartialArts #TraditionalMartialArts #Hwarang #Silla #Human #Documentary #GolgulSa #Hermitage #TempleStay #Balwoo #TempleFood #TempleFood #Temple