Enlightenment

Alrighty, now that i've bored you with some 'news', I'd like to 'enlighten' you with some pictures. These are of the temple that is about a ten minute walk from me. So close! If I were devout, I'd visit every day. But as it is, I'm quite the bum after a day of little, energy-filled rascals (I love them, really I do), but you must understand, I am actually getting older and therefore more tired- I bet you never thought that would happen did you?  So, I've only been to this temple once, which was all I needed. It's got a fantastic aura- a little intense- but fantastic all the same. It's tucked away, a bit off the path up the mountain in Hwaseong Fortress, yet overlooks all of northern Suwon. I've seen this golden idol hundreds of times on my walks to and from Suwon Station, but never actually found it until last week. Up close, it is even more beautiful, not because it's gold but because it's timeless. It speaks of eons when I only think in minutes. It's a bit much to grasp, or at least for my imaginative mind it is, so I shall go back soon. I thought though, that maybe you'd like to see the hidden buddhist sects of Korea, as they are infinitely interesting and somewhat eternally mysterious, like there's always a big secret amongst the statues and candles. 

This is inside the temple under the large statue seen below. I tried to capture the picture behind the golden idol, but no go. It was nice and disturbing, perhaps when I go back I'll be more brave and ignore the "Do Not Enter" sign.

The above ground temple, decorated in traditional Korean design. All traditional temples, palaces and fortresses have the same intricate design with teal as the primary color, contrasted with brick red. 

The golden statue over the underground prayer space. 

Under the statue- can't you just feel the mysticism in black and white? 

At one. At peace. 

There were seven of the smaller deities all around the larger, not a buddhist, so I'm not sure of their meaning. However, I did buy a book about Buddha in hopes of learning more. When I do, I'll let you know. 

Hopefully you enjoyed the pics, I'll try to post more soon, but for now I'm tired (been on here for almost five hours!) 

Yours and always- weary traveller