Lifestyle - The Korea Times

(101) The life of Empress Myeongseong

By Janet Shin The story of the Empress Myeongseong, wife of King Gojong, is one of the most tragic events in Korean history. Unfortunately, it has been interspersed with a lot of distorted historical facts. We will review what aspects of her life led to such a tragic end, along with the causes of conflict, as seen through the eyes of saju. Myeongseong was born in Gyeonggi Province to Min Chirok, a former past prime minister of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897). After her parents passed away when she was 8 years old, Myeongseong grew up in a poor environment. However, she was highly intelligent and read Chinese classics during her youth. Owing to a recommendation by King Gojong’s mother - and chosen by his father, Heungsun, for her poverty - she became the queen. Heung-sun purposely chose a woman with a weak background, so that her family would be unable to interfere in political affairs, leaving him to become the most influential power in King Gojong’s life. But before long, it soon became evident that Heung-sun had chosen wrongly. Myeongseong grew to oppose Heung-sun

Aug 5, 2010

Angeo: Buddhist meditation retreat

By Chun Ock-bae Commonly known as Varsa or Rains Retreat, this three-month meditation retreat has been a regular annual activity in South East Asia Theravada Buddhist monasteries for more than 2,500 years, ever since Buddha’s time. ``Varsa” is a Sanskrit word meaning ``rain’’ or ``rainy season,’’ and this retreat traditionally took place in India every summer during the monsoon period. During the three-month period monks remain within the monastery precincts and practice meditation or study sutras. Originally in India during the rainy season, monks took refuge in a cave or a monastery from the 16th day of the fourth month until the 15th day of the seventh month. Ostensibly, this was because traveling and outdoor activities were highly impractical in the heavy monsoon rains. Buddha himself had initiated this rule in response to a group of farmers who approached him with concerns that newly planted seedlings in the fields were being damaged by the monks as they went begging among the villages. In his compassion for the farmers and the vulnerable new seedlings, the Buddha inst

Aug 5, 2010

Moving mountains with faith: a missionary couple’s journey

By Han Sang-hee Staff reporter Going to church may be a fundamental responsibility for Christians, but the weekly activity does not guarantee escape from emotional problems, depression or fear. Faith is more than just sitting in church, listening to the pastor and reading scriptures, and the most important way to realize it seems to be breaking out of society’s shell and understanding and accepting who you truly are. Missionaries Marc and Melinda Millan have been traveling the world to share their beliefs and insights on Christianity, and their third visit to Korea means a lot to both them and Koreans. The couple sat with The Korea Times last week in Itaewon to talk about their new book, ``Faith That Moves Mountains,’’ and their way of communicating with and believing in God. ``Korea has the highest rate of suicide, which means something. What is the belief system of Christians here? We can’t cut things out of the scriptures like they never existed. You must build your trust (through them),’’ Melinda said. Walk into the religion aisle of a bookstore, and you will find

Jul 30, 2010

(100) The fate of corporations: Toyota vs. Apple

By Janet Shin The recent mishandling of Apple’s iPhone 4 antenna problem has reminded people of Toyota, and whether or not Apple will follow the same path of failure as Toyota. Since the initial recall of Toyota cars, the situation grew so great that people even imagined the tragic end of the company. It was a shocking issue considering the fact that the company had once been the most invincible carmaker in the world. Toyota was once the epitome of a great carmaker, as was noted by their responses: “Toyota pursues perfectionism,” “Toyota is not authoritative but humble whenever they need to apologize,” and “They keep introducing a new system.” They lost face as the situation continued to go downhill, although they were willingly acknowledging their mistakes. The sad saga of Toyota reminds us of the fact that when you are high, the fall downward is much more painful. Toyota had been the second biggest carmaker for a long time. When they chased the first runner, they were humble and weren’t afraid to reveal their problems. Once the problems reached the higher

Jul 29, 2010

Lantern lighting path to liberation

By Kim Jongmyung Contributing Writer A Buddhist ritual, the Lantern Festival, or ``Yeondeung hoe,’’ is emerging as an important part of contemporary Korean culture, but brings with it both positives and challenges. The festival has its textual origins and a long history in Asia, but its Korean version has unique features in many aspects, including its social role. Textual origins Buddhist canonical texts address the meaning, purpose and merits of lighting lanterns. Originally, lighting lanterns, as described in canonical texts, was an offering to the Buddha for the purpose of growing the three wholesome roots of desirelessness, non-hatred, and non-perverted views. Therefore, the act was a way of cultivating of one's mind, and its ultimate purpose rested in the achievement of enlightenment. The scriptures also describe the merits of lighting lanterns including the attainment of a pure mind. As for the attitude of a Buddhist cultivator toward the lighting, the most important thing is not to offer riches, but to keep one's mind sincere. History The exact date of t

Jul 29, 2010

A tale on a romantic relationship guru

This is the tenth in a series of columns by James Lee, CEO of the matchmaking firm Sunoo (www.couple.net), about various aspects of marriage based on his 20 years in the business. _ ED. By James Lee About 20 years ago, I knew a man and when I first met him he was very shy around women. He was very inexperienced in dating and relationships. Maybe he realized he needed to have a better understanding of women because when he turned 30 he started learning about women first-hand and in-depth. Through meeting various types of women, he gained more insight into them and eventually got married. It’s hard to imagine that this was the same man who had been so nervous around women before. I met this self-assured and successful man a few years later. He was a new divorcé. He wanted to remarry and have a family; however, he complained that too much knowledge about women was hindering him. He may have assumed that due to his previous relationships with women he would have no problem remarrying. However, I think that he became too analytical about women and love and

Jul 22, 2010

Seungmu: Seon meditation through dance

By Lee Hyo-won Staff reporter Korea has a unique cultural heritage listing system for recognizing intangible skills that have been passed on through the generations. Among these is “seungmu” or monk’s dance, which is one of the most well-known folk dances. It was designated as Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 27 in 1968. The dance, as its name suggests, comes from the Buddhist tradition. Its origins can be traced back to about 500 years, and to this day it has been passed on as a dance performed during Buddhist ceremonies, as a form of physical expression of making an offering to Buddha. However, the seungmu that one often encounters these days are staged works with strong theatrical elements that stand as an artwork that strives for universal, rather than religious ideals. It should thus be considered more a folk dance rather than a Buddhist ritual. It draws beautiful spatial designs by using the long sleeves of the costume coupled with characteristics of the Korean traditional dance such as harmony of motionlessness, dynamism and subtlety. It has evolved t

Jul 22, 2010

(99) Eastern understanding of universe (2)

By Janet Shin In my previous column, we reviewed how differences in understanding the universe between Eastern and Western cultures affect the way people view their fate ― saju. The column concludes that a self-oriented approach rules the Western attitude, which also tends to think of the universe as a separate individual entity. On the other hand, the Eastern view is more relationship-oriented and believes the universe is filled with energy. That energy and the way it reacts, flows within a person is what saju reads. This week, we will review yet another viewpoint of saju, and how this mindset leads people to decide whether their lives have been happy or unhappy, successful or unsuccessful. Western people view everything from the inside, whereas Asian people view it from a distance. The former puts more weight on the individual being while the latter puts more on the natural order of things and logic. Consideration for others has traditionally been a virtue in Asian society while self confidence has been more valued in Western society. Modesty and obedience are

Jul 22, 2010

Be safe on holiday with emergency drugs

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter If you are planning a family holiday this summer, make sure you are armed with drugs for emergency use. The Korea Food and Drug Administration selected 10 items to carry for safer and healthier vacations. 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Some simply call them pain killers but they are also used against inflammation. They are recommended for high fever, migraines and various other pains. Follow the recommended dosage. Those who drink more than three glasses of alcohol a day should stay away from these drugs because they contain acetaminophen, which is known to cause liver damage. 2. Digestives: People tend to over-indulge when on holiday. Digestives are essential in dealing with various digestive problems. If the symptoms get worse, be sure to visit a doctor. 3. Cough drops: Aggressive outdoor activities can easily cause one to catch a cold. Cough drops are effective for the early stages of a cold. 4. Disinfectant: If you fall off or cut yourself while traveling, disinfectant is necessary to prevent further inflammation.

Jul 18, 2010

Three generations to run together at 396th Turtle Marathon

Enjoy the cool breeze and early morning sunshine at the 396th Turtle Marathon this Sunday. It will be a great opportunity for those who want to take a refreshing walk through Mt. Nam with friends and family. Chung Hyung-gun, president of the National Health Insurance Corporation, will lead this month's event, alongside 2009's Miss Korea and the competition's runners-up as well as contestants of Mr. World Korea. Organized by The Korea Times' sister company, the Hankook Ilbo, the Turtle Marathon has been held once a month since 1978. Unlike an ordinary marathon, the Turtle Marathon allows participants to walk slowly and enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. After the walk, comedian Lee Sang-yong will host a closing show. All of the participants will be given passometers from the National Health Insurance Corporation and also a health check-up. Nongshim will also offer drinks, while Orion will give out Chocopies to the participants. There will also be a raffle event with prizes such as bicycles and kitchen goods. Certification for two hours of volunteer work will be

Jul 16, 2010

Others

Others

(101) The life of Empress Myeongseong

Angeo: Buddhist meditation retreat

Moving mountains with faith: a missionary couple’s journey

(100) The fate of corporations: Toyota vs. Apple

Lantern lighting path to liberation

A tale on a romantic relationship guru

Seungmu: Seon meditation through dance

(99) Eastern understanding of universe (2)

Be safe on holiday with emergency drugs

Three generations to run together at 396th Turtle Marathon

Most Read in Lifestyle