Eunhae Temple: Buddhist Land of Paradise
By Jang Eun-hwa
Contributing writer
Upon entering the One Pillar Gate, the first gate of the temple, the aroma of pine trees prevails all over the body. A gentle brook from Mount Palgong murmurs beside a paved trail through tall, slender pine trees. I listen carefully to the sound of spring ― trickling streams, twittering birds, a refreshing breeze, and singing insects ― while gradually distancing myself from secular affairs.
``Nicholas, how do you feel?'' I asked, looking at a westerner who, joining us, had been gradually attracted to Korea. Nicholas is a doctoral candidate in anthropology from the University of Chicago who is especially interested in sounds and voices emanating from Korean temples.
``It looks so natural and comfortable,'' he said, looking around. Eunhae Temple is surrounded by mountains and has a stream running in front of it. From the peaceful surroundings, one clearly felt snug and comfortable. It seemed as if our party was alone in a new world.
In the middle of the pine tree trail, we noticed a ``yeonnimok,'' or ``combined'' tree. According to
May 1, 2008