Managing Inner Anxiety with Perfect Buddhist University Meditation Course Opening
Seungsa Temple in Anseong, providing a psychological refuge for modern people through the "Buddhism and Perfect Anseong" Meditation Program
The journey to calm the anxiety and stress deeply rooted in the lives of modern people and to find true happiness begins in Anseong.
Seungsa Temple in Gyeonggi-do Anseong will hold the course "Buddhism and Perfect Anseong - Welcome! It's Your First Time Meditating, Right?!" from May 14 to July 30 for 12 weeks. This course will be held every Wednesday from 7 PM to 9 PM in the dedicated classroom of the Buddhist University at Seungsa Temple.
The History and Tradition of the Renowned Seungsa Temple
Seungsa Temple in Anseong is a thousand-year-old temple founded by Master Wonhyo in 661 during the reign of King Munmu of Silla, known as a place for practitioners since ancient times. In particular, Seungsa Temple is located at the foot of Mount Chiljang, the sacred mountain of Anseong, harmonizing with nature and providing an ideal environment for Buddhist practice and meditation.
Abbot Hyunwook of Seungsa Temple stated, "Seungsa has a deep tradition of meditation and practice since ancient times," and explained, "We established the Buddhist University course to provide modern people with an opportunity to easily access these traditional practices."
Star Instructors Gathered for the Topic "How to Extinguish the Fire of the Mind"
The theme of this course is "How to Extinguish the Fire of the Mind," where participants will learn how to manage emotions such as anger, anxiety, and attachment that modern people experience through Buddhist meditation.
The instructors for the lectures are star monks representing the domestic Buddhist community. Notably, Abbot Jigang of Chiljangsa Temple, with over 20 years of meditation teaching experience, will lecture on "Meditation Methods in Daily Life" that beginners can easily follow. Additionally, Abbot Wolho of the Happiness Center will give a lecture on "Managing the Mind" based on Buddhist psychology, while Monk Gwangwoo will explain the connection between modern science and Buddhist meditation with the topic "Meditation and Neuroscience."
In particular, the guiding teacher for this course, Monk Maga, is recognized as an expert in meditation internationally, teaching "Mindfulness Meditation," a modern reinterpretation of the Vipassana meditation practice from early Buddhism. Monk Maga expressed, "During our time together, I aim to open new perspectives on life through various teachings and meditations so that we can take a step closer to tranquility and peace," and added, "The moment you meet your true self amidst the busy pace of daily life, a new flower will bloom in your life."
Monks Doyun and Chongji will each conduct lectures on "Meditation and Health" and "Buddhist Philosophy and Modern Meditation."
A Systematic 12-Week Curriculum, Concluding with a Temple Stay
The meditation course at Perfect Buddhist University is systematically structured as a total of 12 weeks. In the first week, it starts with the basic theory of "What is Meditation," followed by various meditation methods such as breathing meditation, walking meditation, and mindfulness meditation, learned step by step.
Especially from the 6th week, the practical component increases, allowing participants more time to experience meditation directly. From the 10th week, the focus will be on how to apply meditation in daily life, guiding participants to form a continuous meditation habit even after the course.
After completing the 12-week course, a 1-night, 2-day temple stay program will follow. During the temple stay, participants will intensively practice the meditation methods learned and can check their personal practice direction through conversations with the monks.
The person in charge of the Buddhist University at Seungsa Temple stated, "The temple stay is an important process that goes beyond a simple completion ceremony, summarizing the learning so far and experiencing the true essence of meditation," and expressed hope that many participants would experience the depth of meditation through the temple stay and return to their daily lives.
Increased Accessibility through Online Simultaneous Progress
This course will be conducted simultaneously online and offline to enhance accessibility. Students who find it difficult to visit Seungsa Temple in person can learn the same content through real-time video lectures. Online students will receive separate meditation guidance audio files and materials.
Anseong City officials stated, "Perfect Buddhist University is a meaningful program that modernly inherits the Buddhist traditions of Seungsa Temple, a cultural asset of the region," and expressed expectations that it will contribute to the mental health improvement of citizens.
The tuition fee is 50,000 won, which includes the 12-week lectures, materials, and temple stay costs. Applications and inquiries can be made at 010-8899-9144.
Mr. Kim Dae-hoon (47), a citizen of Anseong, expressed, "I have always been interested in meditation, but I was at a loss about where to start. I am glad that such a systematic program is being held in the area," and added, "I think it will be a time to look into my mind in a society full of stress."
Editor Oh Ji-hyun