Lifestyle - The Korea Times

(98) Eastern understanding of relationships

By Janet Shin The philosophy of saju, which comes from Asia, is different from Western philosophies even in approach. For example, examining yin and yang from the ancient, Eastern perspective, the two were not considered separate and opposite concepts. Yin comes from yang, and yin generates yang in turn. One emerges only when the other is wholly fulfilled. This idea is explained by the Taiji, the traditional visual representation of yin and yang. The curve within the circle, which represents the universe, symbolizes the opposing, yet interdependent nature of yin and yang. While black and white denote yin and yang, respectively, the smaller, contrasting circles in each stand for the fluctuating transformations that balance the two. Taiji - Yin and yang Now, to look at the five elements: Though each element is separate, they are not contained by concrete boundaries ― instead, they interact with one another. For example, wood is not just 'wood.' On the contrary, we have to understand that wood is generated by water, and that it generates fire. It restricts the earth,

Jul 15, 2010

Beompae: solemn chant for Buddhist ritual

By Han Chang-ho Contributing Writer ``Beompae" are chants and songs inspired by Buddha's sacred words. Performed in Buddhist temples during special ceremonies, they have the function of training in harmony with Buddha's teaching by means of bodily actions, speech, and thought. There are several theories of its origin. It might have originated from the musical devotion of Bodhisattva at the assembly of Vulture Peak. It has also been claimed as the creation of Tsao Chih (192-232), who is said to have been inspired by the super-natural sound that he had heard while at Yushan (which means Fish Mountain). There were some in particular who passed on the Buddhist chants and songs to later generations. In China's Wu dynasty, Zhiqian composed a beompae piece. Also Kang Seng-hui wrote parts of Buddhist chants and songs, which became popular in Southern China. Later this piece came to Korea by Seon master Jingam, the monk of Silla Kingdom, who had studied abroad China's Tang Dynasty. After his return to Silla, Jingam taught the music in Ssanggye Temple, where it was received with ent

Jul 15, 2010

Summer templestays call to budding Buddhists

By Ines Min Staff reporter For those who swing more toward chants than psalms, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism ― the largest branch of Buddhism in the country ― is offering a series of special summer programs. Often located in the escapes of mountain scenery, Buddhist temples were once unwanted sites, hidden far and largely away from the eyes of the public. Today, these remote locales serve as peaceful getaways from the stress of daily city life. Templestays originally began as additional accommodations during the 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. It has since evolved to become a unique Korean experience, transcending both language and cultural barriers. English speakers If your Korean has yet to be mastered, a variety of temples are hosting special programs for foreigners and expats. Conducted in English (or, bilingually), these templestays are perfect for those looking for an experience in the comfort of one's native tongue. Geumsan Temple in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, is offering a weekend templestay from July 17 to 18 for 60,000 wo

Jul 13, 2010

Retreats beckoning Catholics and non-Catholics

By Han Sang-hee Staff reporter Italian Catholic Bishop St. Alphonsus once said, ``Intrate toti, Manete Soli, Exite Alii,'' and this is exactly the spirit of Catholic retreats, the counterpart of Buddhist templestays. Retreats are the best ways to leave the busy city, find some peace and quiet and further enrich the soul. Peaceful or not, the main priority of such retreats would be redefining the Catholic faith and discovering a new self. Thanks to the ongoing interest in soul-searching breaks and vacations, retreats nowadays attract both Christians and non-Christians, with some enlightening features. For families Family is one of the most important virtues in the Catholic world, mostly because it is the first place where children get to learn love and the love of Christ. There are a handful of retreats that can be arranged for families, so check Catholic churches around you to see if they have any programs planned during the vacations. The Jeju Youth House in Jeju Island offers a special retreat where participants not only look back and

Jul 13, 2010

Vaccine for lung disease to be released

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will release a new vaccine that could prevent various lung diseases and inflammation in the middle ear among infants. Synflorix is said to be effective in the immunization of otitis media (middle ear inflammation) and various lung diseases caused by streptococcus pneumonia (S. pneumonia) among children aged between six weeks and two years. S. pneumonia is one of the leading causes of pneumonia and is fatal for infants. Otitis media is said to prevail in 75 percent of children under three years old, of which 50 percent suffer relapses. Manufacturer GSK said the vaccine immunizes three additional serotypes of S. pneumonia from the current seven. It was effective for 57.6 percent in preventing the otitis media caused by the S. pneumonia and was effective 33.3 percent in all kinds of otitis media of the 4,968 infants that participated in the POET clinical test. Three inoculations are required, at two, four and six months old and additional session at 12 to 15 months.

Jul 11, 2010

Will picky eating be labeled eating disorder?

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter Children with fussy eating habits might be showing signs of a form of eating disorder. Researchers of Duke University and the University of Pittsburgh are considering classifying "selective eating" as a disorder that could apply to adults and children. It is the first step to see whether particular eating habits, conventionally noted as quirks or personal taste is something that goes deeper to reflect individual personality. Moreover, they will study its correlations with anorexia and bulimia. The research results and decisions will be included in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. For the fundamental research, the scholars are conducting online surveys. They are hoping this will help them draw guidelines for dealing with extremely finicky eating habits. The Daily Mail said that many fussy eaters have a hard time socializing because of their eating habits― they refrain from eating out or buy ready-made foods. But at the same time, the habit is uncorrectable, causing speculation that it is mor

Jul 11, 2010

(97) Is tragedy inevitable or just an accident?

By Janet Shin Sometimes, we wish the prophecies told by saju will not happen, because it might bring us grief. Good fortunes are always welcome, but even unwanted fortunes can be avoided or prevented. The problem lies in that people do not listen to saju’s warnings and will even neglect the fortune in many cases. As a saju master who reads hundreds of peoples’ fates a month, I found it undeniable that there is a certain pattern every year. Last year, people who had earth letters (dog and sheep) in their saju were saddled with more gloomy worries, while those with yang metal (monkey) and yang fire (snake) were prone to collisions, surgery, or other unexpected situations. Although there are some variances in our lives to differentiate them from what is written in one’s saju, people still seem to live within the lines of their destiny. Earlier this year, I received a call from a mother whose son had been discharged from his military service for mental disorder. Her son was born in 1989 and his day master is yang water. Saju tells us that his day master, water, is surround

Jul 8, 2010

Wooden fish gongs and wind chimes: Symbols of Buddhist cultivation

By Chun Ock-bae Contributing writer Anyone interested in the temple decorations of Korean temples will discover painted and sculpted fish all around the main halls _ on the pillars, brackets, ceiling and walls. It is also easy to find wooden fish gongs and wind chimes. The origin of the use of the fish in Buddhism is unknown: one version tells that a fish always has its eyes open day and night; thus it is a reminder to always be aware. Another version comes from a story: A long time ago, there was a monk who committed many unwholesome deeds. Eventually, he died and was reborn as a fish with a tree on its back. One day when the monk's old master was crossing the river, the fish came to him sadly. The master looked into its past life and held a memorial ceremony to save the fish. That night, the fish appeared in the master's dream, appreciative of his master's kindness. He asked his master to please cut the tree from his back and make a fish-shaped instrument and tell this story as a lesson for practitioners. The fish shape is applied to large wooden drums, small

Jul 8, 2010

Osteoporosis alert for women

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter When Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that she is in a primary stage of osteoporosis, or osteopenia, last week, the world was stunned. Osteopenia is a decrease in the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the bone. This disease causes bones to be weak and brittle and increases the risk for broken bones. The University of Michigan Health System says osteoporosis could prevail for many causes: cigarette smoking, low body weight, alcoholism, kidney or liver failure, too little calcium in the diet, intense exercise which reduces estrogen levels, eating disorder and others. The movie star looked perfect externally ― she was tall, lean, toned and had enough muscle to make her look healthy and fashionable. However, in her online news letter Goop.com, Paltrow said, "My doctors tested my Vitamin D levels, which turned out to be the lowest they had ever seen (not a good thing)." The Daily Telegraph cited her macrobiotic diet consisting of non-meat and vegetables and protein-focused foods as the major culprit. Paltrow is an avid follow

Jul 4, 2010

(96) South Korean footballer, Cha Du-ri, son of Cha Boom, the first Korean player in Europe league

By Janet Shin The South Korean football team reached the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup for the first time in an overseas tournament. Although they weren’t able to push into the next round after being defeated by Uruguay, Korean supporters truly appreciated the endeavor that the team put forth in the games. Each player has a nickname for a specific reason, but among them Cha Du-ri’s has been the most popular: Variations on the ``Chaminator’’ or ``Chavatar.’’ The footballer has gained the interest of the people through his own talents, but also with the reigning legacy of his father, Cha Bum-kun, a former national team player and coach as well as the first Korean Bundesliga legend. He was a commenter at this year’s World Cup games, thought it could have been an awkward situation for a father to commentate on his son’s playing. Even though the South Korean team ended their campaign in the 2010 World Cup, the people’s cheer lingers more, especially for the Cha family who hold the affectionate interest of the people in a magnetic pull. How could they be the focus of such a

Jul 1, 2010

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