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(90) Saju of James Cameron, who declared himself the King of the World

By Janet Shin James Cameron is the writer and director of ``Titanic'' (1997) and ``Avatar'' (2009), which are the two highest-grossing films in global movie sales records. On top of the world-breaking records and numerous awards, Avatar has created a significant impact on the film, TV and game industries as a whole, based on its innovative integration of 3D and smooth visuals. A turning point in history is often triggered by a person or by a masterpiece that changes perspectives. It would be interesting if we could look into the fate of that person and that critical moment in time. Perhaps by doing so, we will be able to garner some hints as to whether the ripples of the effect are the result of intentional elaboration or simply the product of great ambition. Cameron figuratively declared himself the ``King of the World'' when ``Titanic'' won 11 Oscars at the 1998 Academy Awards. And his tenacity and effort has made ``Avatar'' the most influential film in the world in 2009 and 2010. Cameron's influence extends far beyond his movie credits. During his first visit to Kor

May 20, 2010

Water-Moon Gwaneum Painting: the ultimate manifestation of mercy and serenity

Taylor Pak Contributing writer Buddhist paintings, known in Korea as "taenghwa," of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) are especially celebrated for their artistic excellence. In tandem with religious prosperity, the period of Goryeo produced lavishly detailed paintings of Buddhist deities, exhibiting superb aristocratic tastes of the era. Particularly among them are the paintings of Water-Moon Gwaneum. In the outset, the "Water-Moon Gwaneum Painting" has acquired its appellation as the serene and graceful image of the bodhisattva Gwaneum was compared to the reflection of the moon on water. The earliest references for the association of the "water and moon" to Gwaneum are found in the eighth century Chinese records, and by the Song dynasty (960-1279), this distinctive iconic image was widespread. In Korea, the "Water-Moon" type of Gwaneum paintings existed at least by the eleventh century, and during the Goryeo period, its iconography and style further developed, achieving an extraordinary artistic refinement. Subsequently, the "Water-Moon" representation became one of the

May 20, 2010

More pharmacies to open at night

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter Beginning in July, more pharmacies and clinics will be able to open at night due to deregulation of rules regarding making profits after ``normal'' working hours. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has recently eased restrictions by exempting patients or customers seeking medicine or medical care during the extended hours from the designated ``patient quota'' in order to make it more convenient. Currently, the National Health Insurance Corporation allows doctors and pharmacist to see up to 75 patients or customers a day and agrees to pay 100 percent under insurance coverage. The payment amount decreases from the 76th patient and beyond. The objective was to encourage medical staff to provide in-depth and quality service under suitable conditions. But it also caused doctors to shut their clinics early. The deregulation will be valid between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. the next day during the week; after 1 p.m. on Saturdays; and all day on Sundays. If pharmacies and doctors are able to collect insurance payments, they are more likely to operate la

May 16, 2010

Overcoming rocky road of marriage

This is the sixth in a series of columns by James Lee, CEO of the matchmaking firm Sunoo (www.couple.net), about various aspects of marriage based on their 20 years in the business ― ED. There are two common questions I am often asked. How did I meet my wife? Am I happily married? I think these are obvious questions since I manage a matchmaking company. However, even for someone like me who has been working in the field of arranged marriages and relationships for a long time, I still find these two questions complicated to answer. This year marks my 15th wedding anniversary, but just like any other marriage my wife and I have had our share of conflicts and hardships. While reflecting on my marriage, I realized that there were a few critical stages. First, we had financial problems. Since my business was not doing so well, the concern and uncertainty about financial security caused stress and tension between my wife and me. Once business became stable and that was no longer an issue, our personality differences became a source of conflict. My wife's outgoing personality and

May 13, 2010

(89) Reading one’s fate through saju (four pillars of destiny)

After a series of example articles, we thought that we would return to the basics and explain what saju is all about. - ED. By Janet Shin Saju is often considered an occult theory. Peeking into one's life through the window of saju, readings based on the heavenly and terrestrial signs as dictated from one's birthday, may sound strange to those who don't have previous knowledge of oriental philosophy. Moreover, understanding the concept of this particular oriental theory ― the yin and yang, and the relationship between the five elements ― cannot be explained in short, simple phrases. Nevertheless, it is still possible to read into the patterns found in history by analyzing historical figures' saju, and can even formulate plausible solutions to current events by using the patterns and logic of the theory. To begin, there are four ``Heavenly Stems'' and four ``Terrestrial Branches'' that comprise one's saju, which are read through the yin and yang of the ``Five Elements'' of the universe. The stems represent the energies that a person should receive at birth (the idea

May 13, 2010

Pagodas of Multiple Jewels, Sakyamuni Buddha

The writer is a professor of religion at the Academy of Korean Studies. ― ED. By Kim Jongmyung Contributing Writer At Bulguk Temple in Gyeongju, southeast of Seoul, the 8th-century twin Pagoda of Multiple Jewels and Pagoda of Sakyamuni Buddha stand in front of the Hall of Great Hero, the Buddha. The temple is a registered UNESCO world heritage. However, it is said that the names of Dabotap and Seokkatap (alternate designations) are not their original names, but those designated in the latter period of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). As far as extant sources are concerned, they had no names when they were established. According to a record of the eleventh century, Dabotap was called the ``Stone Pagoda to the East of Buddha Land Monastery,'' or the ``Bulguksa dong seoktap,'' and Seokkatap was named the ``Stone Pagoda to the East of Buddha Land Monastery.'' Another record of the 11th century indicates that Seokkatap was also called the ``Pagoda of Pure and Clean Scripture,'' or the ``Mmugu jeong gyeongtap,'' in the early period of the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392). However, thi

May 13, 2010

Turtle Marathon to be held Sunday

By Han Sang-hee Staff reporter Enjoy the fresh breeze and sun at the 394th Turtle Marathon this Sunday. Those who want to take a refreshing morning walk through Namsan can participate in the monthly race. Kim Jong-shin, CEO of the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, will lead this month's event, alongside Miss Koreas of 2009 and also 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 enables participants to take their time and walk at their own pace to enjoy the air and mountain landscape. After the walk, host Lee Sang-yong will host a closing show. All of the participants will be given towels, drinks and snacks. There will also be a raffle with prizes such as bicycles and kitchen goods. Certification for two hours of volunteer work will be given to middle and high school students who participate in the cleanup at the end of the day. The Turtle Marathon is free. For more information, visit http://turtle.hankooki.com. When:

May 12, 2010

Templestay offers chance to experience Korea

By Ines Min Staff reporter It was a gray, chilly morning as diplomatic and commercial representatives gathered in front of the Jogye Temple in Insa-dong, Seoul, Saturday, contrasting with the warmth and bustle of the group. Excitedly conversing about their forthcoming adventure into the world of Korean Buddhism, ambassadors, members of chambers of commerce and others stood with suitcases, many for their inaugural templestay. Last weekend the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism hosted the G-20 Templestay Experience, ahead of the global gathering in Seoul this November. The destination was Magok Temple, a major branch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. Three buses, three hours and 112 kilometers later, the entourage arrived at the historic temple. Established in 640 A.D. during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-935 A.D.) by the monk Jajang, Magok Temple is well known today for its survival throughout the ages and original buildings. The temple was a place of refuge during the Japanese colon

May 11, 2010

Keep your fallen teeth for daddy’s implant

By Bae Ji-sook Staff reporter Baby teeth after having fallen out can be more than a gift for the tooth fairy. A group of dentists have developed a way to process the loose teeth into material for alveolar bone transplantation, a foundational procedure for a dental implant. The material could be used for operations on not only the tooth owner but also family members, they said. Medical experts said the method will open a new era for old people whose original teeth are falling out. Prof. Kim Young-kyun of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and his colleagues developed a one-week processing method to mill the teeth into bone transplantation material. The powder can be injected inside the gum and within two to three months, it will successfully bond to the gum structure and become a part of the original bone, Kim said. Bone transplanting is considered the only option for those who need a dental implant but lack alveolar bones (bones of the gum). Old people and those with few teeth left have to borrow a similar substance from animals or use artificial materials as

May 9, 2010

Yeongsan Assembly Painting

By Taylor Pak Contributing Writer On Vulture Peak, an endless multitude of crowds gathered to listen to Sakyamuni Buddha preaching ``the scripture of the Lotus of the Wonderful law'' - the Lotus Sutra. The vast assembly of listeners included bodhisattvas, arhats, monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, heavenly beings and spirits. A rain of various heavenly flowers landed upon this great assembly while Buddha emitted a ray of light from the tufts of white hair between his eyebrows, extending down to the lowest hell and up to the highest heavens, lighting up 18,000 worlds. All those at the assembly were filled with joy and gazed at the Buddha with a single mind. In essence, this scene is embodied in the Yeongsan Assembly Painting. The locale Yeongsan, a shortened appellation for ``Yeongchwisan,'' is a Korean transcription of Mount Gridhrakuta, or Vulture Peak, situated on the outskirts of Rajagrha (modern Rajgri), northern India. The site holds historical significance as one of the most notable places where Sakyamuni propounded his doctrine during his lifetime. In the tradition of

May 6, 2010
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