Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center
Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center has been providing a unique look into Korean Buddhist culture through a global lens. Monks and lay people of different countries gather in harmony to practice Seon meditation. The temple is located in Ganghwado island in the mountain areas surrounded by beautiful rural scenery, boasts of serene ambiance. Importance and more time is given to independent cultivation and realization of true self. Through our Templestay program guided by foreign monks in both english and Korean languages, we provides true monastic experiences. We also give explanation about Korean history and culture. We welcome people of all backgrounds to come and practice with us as they are.
The lotus is one of Buddhism's most recognizable symbols of enlightenment. According to legend, everywhere the baby Buddha stepped, a lotus flower bloomed. Because the lotus grows in muddy water, it symbolizes the purity of enlightened mind arising amidst the suffering of samsara. It also represents nonattachment, as it is rooted in mud (attachment and desire) but its flowers blossom on long stalks unsullied by the mud below. We focuses on lighting our inner self through conscious reflection on our mind. Through our programs, we help the participants to observe and reflects at the deeper level of mental states thereby knowing the thoughts processes arising and passing away, "as they are". The process helps to find the purity of our original mind and enlightening our true self. The practice will bloom the lotus of our inner self and will enlightened as Buddha.
The center was established in 1997 by Master Won Myoung Sunim with a vision to promote Korean Buddhism worldwide. He became a monk at an early age in Haeinsa Temple of Gyeongsang-namdo Province. He served as the disciple of Zen Master Seong Cheol Sunim, who was the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Master Won Myoung Sunim practiced over a decade intensively under the rigorous supervision of his Master, Song Cheol. He also practiced and studied in countries like Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. While he was studying in the United Kingdom, he noticed that many people in abroad did not know of Korean Buddhism in spite of its excellent doctrines and teachings. He begins the international missionary works by establishing a center in Seoul in 1987. The center organised buddhism classes and retreats to the international communities. It has given a new dimension to Korean Buddhism and opens the door to foreigners. Later on, we shifted to this present location in 1997 surrounded by forests and mountains, a better and suitable place for practice, remote from the city.
Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center
Ganghwa-do, is about one hour drive by car from Incheon International Airport and about one and half hour from downtown Seoul. Ganghwa island has been a historically significant place of Korea from ancient times. The King of Goryo dynasty in exile put up a resistance against Mongol Empire for decades in Ganghwa-do Island. It is quite a repository of Korean history and culture. The island has many tourist attractions such as Ganghwa Nadeulgil, Seokmodo, Pungmul Market, The Goryeogung Palace Site, Mani Mountain, Gwangseongbo Fortress, Ganghwa Peace Observatory, Jeondeung-sa Bomun-sa, etc. While staying in our place, visitors can take a quick trip to well-known historical sites and fascinating tourist attractions inside Ganghwa-do Island.
Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center
The center consists of six buildings: Buddha Hall, Seorae Meditation Hall, Gogyeong Meditation Hall, dormitory for monks, guest house with attached kitchen and dining hall, and library & office. In addition, there is a courtyard with ponds and greenery all around along with a vegetable garden spanning 12,000 square meters. You can enjoy the beautiful garden and fresh air at our eco-friendly atmospheric center. Organic vegetables grown here will be partly served as your meals as well.
Monks and laypeople from different countries stay together in harmony and do practice Seon meditation. We offer the best circumstances and programs for practitioners and participants to learn Korean Buddhist culture and experience Seon meditation.
Please, journey to tranquility and experience Korean Seon meditation: Here and Now.
Address: 349-60, Ganghwadong-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea (417-841) / E-mail: lotuslantern.net@gmail.com / Phone: 82-32-937-7033(overseas), 032-937-7033 (korea) / Fax:82-32-937-7034(overseas), 032-937-7034 (korea)