Haeinsa Labyrinth

I forgot to write up one last trip I took in Korea: I returned to Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea's most important historical sites. It is most famous as the home of the The Tripitaka Koreana, a Buddhist cannon that Koreans claim to be the first book in the world to be printed with movable type. Since it is printed in Chinese characters, I can see why the technology didn't spread from there and only became popular once it was reinvented in a country that uses an alphabet. I discussed the Tripitaka Koreana more took lots of pictures on my first visit, back in 2009. 

This return trip was at the invitation of Kyungrae, the man who we met at Bongamsa Temple on Buddha's Birthday, and who became our unofficial guide as well as our generous ride. Barbara and I took him up on his offer to show us around Daegu and to go visit Haeinsa together. 

My first visit was by bus, so I unknowingly passed right by a pavilion that was famed as a monk philosopher's favorite meditation grounds. The river there really was quite peaceful.

I once again noticed the chimney made entirely of roof tiles. 

It seems that the labyrinth was set up year round and not just for the special event that I witnessed on my previous visit. 

I do always admire the ornate and effective joinery of Korean temples. 

Some of the imagery in the paintings on the outside of temple walls were fascinating, such as the tree growing from this giant fish:

Some was horrifically gruesome, such as the praying man wearing necklaces made of fingers. 

Kyungrae was able to provide a lot more background of Buddhist stories and iconography, but writing three years later I can't remember any of the specifics.