Cross-legged and sitting quietly with eyes closed. This is the scene many envision when they hear the word 'meditation'. But what if you could meditate while listening to the sound of waves on a yacht, dancing to exciting music, or performing yoga poses on the beach under the sky? The 2nd BOMA Meditation Art Festival, held on October 25th and 26th at Busan National Maritime University, was a unique experience that completely overturned our preconceived notions about meditation.
The Calm Encountered on the Sea, The Beginning of Yacht Meditation
The BOMA Festival began with a tarot booth and various experiential programs, but my real journey started when I boarded the yacht. The maritime university operates a yacht qualification course and is equipped with yacht training rooms and equipment, providing participants with the opportunity to experience sailing yachts directly.
After a brief safety training, I boarded the sailing yacht. The sunlight at the end of October was not harsh but gentle, and the wind was not cold. As I settled in at the front of the hull, the yacht slowly began to move out to sea. Raising the sails and catching the wind, the sailing yacht moved solely by the power of nature, with the motor turned off. At that moment, the world became quiet.
In the middle of the sea, it was just me, the yacht, and the ocean. The sunlight shone on my face, and the gentle waves crashed against the hull, creating a sound of water. The breeze brushed against my cheeks. As all of this came together, I naturally fell into a deep meditative state. Memories of experiencing yacht meditation a few years ago resurfaced, and I realized how special this moment was. Yacht meditation was not just an experience of being on a boat, but a meditative practice of becoming one with the sea.
Moving Meditation, Opening the Festival with Acro Yoga
While the yacht experience was taking place, a singing bowl experience by overseas artist Aneel was held for attendees who did not participate in the yacht experience at the main venue.
Returning to the gym after the yacht experience, an Acro Yoga workshop was in full swing, accompanied by lively handpan music.
Acro Yoga, which combines acrobatics and yoga, is a 'moving meditation' where two or more people pair up to balance each other's weight.
Participants who were not familiar with yoga paired up with instructors, following each movement one by one and enjoying themselves. Laughter erupted as they relied on each other's bodies to maintain balance, and in that laughter, tension naturally melted away. Acro yoga was proving that meditation does not only occur in silence.
The subsequent opening ceremony began with a Nanta performance from Namsan Playground. The intense sound of drums seemed to resonate with the hearts of the participants. Following that, the majestic brass melodies of the Korean Maritime University Orchestra filled the venue. The opening ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Ryu Dong-geun, President of the National Korean Maritime University, Shin Gi-sam, Chairman of the Yeongdo District Council, Monk Ho-beop of Balwon Temple, and the head of Busan Waterworks Headquarters, who delivered congratulatory speeches. President Ryu stated, "I hope that through this festival, which sublimates healing and meditation into art, citizens can gain peace of mind and new energy from the sea," and added, "I will do my best to help develop the unique culture that Busan possesses."
A Stage of Emotion Presented by Artists from Four Countries
The highlight of this BOMA Festival opening ceremony was the diverse performances by artists from four countries. The creative performances by overseas artists Yogetsu and Akira captivated the attendees more and more. The handpan performance by digital artist Oh Eun-young and Ha Taek-hu seemed to warm the heart. The mysterious voice of singer-songwriter Ramja seemed to unite everyone's souls. The profound performance by the Korean Maritime University Orchestra added depth and dignity to the festival.
The performances unfolding on stage were not just a spectacle. As mystical music, movement, and meditation blended together, the audience naturally became immersed in the performance. It was a moment when the boundaries between art and meditation disappeared.
Ocean Healing Meditation Held at Arch Beach
The second day began at Arch Beach within the maritime university. The sky was covered with clouds, so there was no scorching sun, and with little wind, it was perfect weather for outdoor meditation. Participants gathered on the pebbled beach and first loosened their bodies with ocean Hatha yoga.
The subsequent ocean insight meditation led by Main Director Byeok-ra was accompanied by the sound of waves. Breathing in time with the sound of waves crashing and receding, participants took time to look within themselves. As the clear resonance of the singing bowl added to the experience, everyone fell into deep peace.
This Arch Beach, being a secluded area located just behind the gym, was the perfect place to seamlessly transition between indoor programs and outdoor meditation. It was the space that could most perfectly embody the concept of marine healing meditation that this festival aimed for.
Diverse Workshops Opening New Possibilities for Meditation
After the morning workshops, a heartfelt lunch prepared by the organizers was provided. Seeing the lotus leaf rice set prepared by the monk and the abundant snack table, one could feel the heart and effort of those who prepared the event. The lunch time spent quietly focusing on the food while listening to the sound of waves was another process of food meditation.
In the afternoon, even more diverse meditation classes followed. In Yogetsu's breath and voice meditation, participants could feel the 'energy of community' that only group meditation can provide by chanting mantras together. BORA's water meditation and movement meditation were special experiences that awakened the body's senses. Each workshop showcased different approaches to meditation, allowing participants to find their own meditation style.
The finale performance that adorned the closing saw all the artists pouring out their passion. Participants also experienced a ceremony of breathing and moving together, becoming one. At that moment, we were not just spectators but part of the festival.
Growth Potential as a K-Meditation Festival Reflecting Busan's Identity
The 2nd BOMA Festival was evaluated to be much richer and more systematically organized compared to last year. However, there were still some disappointing aspects. The booth programs had somewhat insufficient relevance to meditation, and the lack of external promotion meant that more meditation enthusiasts could not participate.
Nevertheless, this festival showed great potential. The unique concept of combining the natural environment of the sea that Busan possesses with meditation and art has sufficient differentiated competitiveness. It is not just a festival for meditators, but has the potential to grow into a cultural event representing the Busan region.
In particular, the keyword of marine healing is a unique identity that only Busan can possess. Meditation and healing programs utilizing the sea will not only enhance the brand value of the marine city of Busan but will also become a seed that can develop into a new cultural content of K-Meditation.
Looking Forward to Next Year - A Festival of Meditation to Share with More People
The success of this BOMA Meditation Art Festival was thanks to the dedicated efforts of Main Director Byeok-ra and the community members. Without their service and passion, we would not have been able to experience such a fulfilling program.
The high satisfaction of the participants proved how valuable this festival is. Both those new to meditation and those who have practiced for a long time found enjoyment and meaning in this festival in their own ways. This is the true essence of 'open meditation' that the BOMA Festival seeks.
Next year, I hope for a festival with even richer programs, where more meditation enthusiasts and local residents can participate together. Byeok-ra, the main director of the BOMA Festival and head of Magenta Future School and the Korean Tarot Association, stated, "Until the day BOMA establishes itself as the K-Meditation festival representing Busan, it will continue to grow. I ask for your interest so that we can share that special moment where the sea, meditation, and art become one with more people."
I hope that next year's 3rd BOMA Festival will grow even more with the interest of more people and establish itself as the K-Meditation festival representing Busan.
Written by/Healing News Editor Oh Hye-sun fare3041@naver.com