From the Chapel Basement at Columbia to Wonkaksa: 

Reflections on a Traditional Korean One-Day Temple Stay 

Anjana Priya Peddireddi 

Columbia University Buddhist Association  

I watch the skyscrapers shrink as the bus speeds towards Wonkaksa. Far far away, yet only an hour removed from my life as it is defined by all the things I still need to do. I am unsure of what to expect, but as the bus rolls up the driveway, Gowoo Sunim and a group of smiling monks wave to us, their excitement at our arrival apparent. 

Gowoo Sunim is a Korean female monk studying Human Rights at Columbia University. We are both on the board of the Columbia University Buddhist Association (CUBA). As the co-president of CUBA, I have had the pleasure of working with Gowoo Sunim for two years now, planning events like our Vesak celebration with her. I knew that she had been working hard on this retreat for us for months, and was excited to go to Wonkaksa. 

At CUBA, we aim to create a welcoming and nonjudgmental space for students to explore Buddhism in community. Although we introduce Buddhist teachings, we do not cater to a specific tradition of Buddhism. Every Thursday evening, we host monks from various Buddhist traditions, from Thai Theravada to Soto Zen to Won Korean Buddhism, to lead meditations and share dharma. Learning from different teachers has allowed me to experience the practices of Buddhists all over the world. I think that CUBA’s unconventional approach is one of our greatest strengths. By studying different traditions and focusing on creating an inclusive community on campus, we can find commonalities across cultures and foster compassion for others. 

However, the other side of this means that we often miss out on the depth that each lineage has to offer. Recognizing the limitations of holding meetings solely on campus and not adhering to one sect, Gowoo Sunim planned this retreat program at Wonkaksa Temple to offer students a more immersive experience in her own tradition–the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In collaboration with Wonkaksa, a traditional Korean temple, she secured the venue, designed the program, and invited Korean monks to guide students in traditional Buddhist practices and cultural experiences.  

As I step outside the bus, my eyes water, both from the cold wind and the relief of seeing trees and mountains after so long. First, Jigwang Sunim, the abbot of the temple, gives us a tour and teaches us about the intricate woodworking that went into the temple’s creation. Next was one of my favorite parts of our visit: a formal monastic meal, known as Balwoo Gongyang. My stomach growls as I sit waiting for everyone to fill their bowls with rice and soup. Then, Gowoo Sunim’s resonant Jukbi sound echoes through the dharma hall, signaling that it’s time for everyone to serve themselves side dishes. Hunger and anticipation season what is a simple meal, making every sesame seed, bean sprout, and sip of soup taste precious. After eating in comfortable silence, we clean. 

Swirling a piece of pickled radish across the bowl, uneaten grains of rice float up in the hot water a monk pours. Instructed to drink this water, I look down at the soggy swirls of oil in my bowl with hesitation before lifting it up to my mouth. Upon drinking this water, I am forced to consider the discrepancy between what I took and what I consumed. 

Another one of my favorite parts of the retreat was when Seonmyeong Sunim took us for a walk. She tells us that walking is the greatest gift. I think of all the things that my two legs propel me to do: see nature, meet friends, dance, come home, go on adventures. Walking after Balwoo Gongyang reminds me of something Gowoo Sunim said during the washing of the bowls, how taking the appropriate amount of food is necessary to sustain our body and mind for other activities. As someone who struggles over my relationship with my body, this perspective is liberating. Seeing both food and exercise not through the lens of restriction or overindulgence, but for the pleasure and pain of their experience and the functions they serve in my life. 

I feel lucky to have spent this day with fellow CUBA members surrounded by nature, practicing mindfulness in both stillness and in action. In contrast to our usual meditations, we had the opportunity to dive deeper into the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, trying things like tteokbokki and copying sutras written in Korean. I am grateful to everyone at Wonkaksa Temple for their generosity and kindness.