It was 54 hrs of pure stillness

With a schedule that allowed little to no wandering mentally, I was able to clear out all the things that had crowded my mind. I was able to make a list of improvements I could make, and I was able to feel the strong and wondrous energy from meditation and nature.

The temple was gorgeous, and it was surrounded by mountains and trees. We did our morning chanting at 430 a.m. in the bottom part of this temple. The first chanting service I was blown away by the energy created from the collective voices. It was both incredible to hear and feel.

This is what the sky looks like at dawn. Chanting takes place during this time because it is believed that we are more open to receive the lessons from the sutras and also for devotion.

All things are blessed in the Buddhist beliefs. And it brings indescribable joy to me, to be around animals. There was 6 puppies, a cat, and two dogs. They were all quite happy to be surrounded by such love.

Only in the past 20 or so years has Sunmudo been taught to people other than Buddhist monks. It must be diligently practiced with a mixture of zen yoga, and doing it twice daily for 90 minutes, it was quite difficult to not collapse on the floor. I really enjoyed the aspect of tai chi that is incorporated into the form. Watching the junior monk whose practice was focused on Sunmudo to attain his enlightenment, was like watching someone who was dancing with such greatness and practically flying with each jump. There were five junior monks all working in different ways such as chanting, meditation, the arts, and Sunmudo, to receive their enlightenment.

The experience was exactly what I needed to refresh my mind and body. I think just being surrounded by people who have acquired the simple life and ability to tranquil calmness, and joy is enough in itself. But it also put many things into perspective.