We awoke at 3:00 am, showered, dressed and went to the temple for an early morning meditation.  At 3:30am about 60 or 70 monks filed in, single file, took their seats on cushions on the floor and began meditating and chanting.  Their sonorous chanting, in those early morning hours, lifted our aspiration to a whole new level.  It is easy to see the power and depth of spiritual aspiration in this great country. This is an inner treasure, even surpassing the glory of the outer historic treasures.

4:30am – Downstairs, in a large workroom, our hosts showed us how to make lotus lanterns out of colourful paper.  Our friend, we have nicknamed “The Smiling Monk,” sits with us, complimenting our efforts.  Then we go to the dining room for breakfast.  The monks are treating us like VIPs, inviting us to eat in the same room with them. 

The friendly monk in charge of our temple stay and the staff of Tongdosa temple pose for a group photo with the team.

Later, as we say our fond farewells, the Smiling Monk holds the Harmony Run torch and we all exchange tee-shirts and other gifts.

A walking meditation round the Buddha's relic.

Then he leads us under a canopy of colouful lanterns, similar to the ones we made in the early morning.

Our friendly guides and staff at Tongdosa Temple prepare to run with us for a few kilometres.

Waving good-bye, we head off, running through the glorious and fragrant pine forest, the trees arching together, forming a canopy above our heads, I am reminded that humanity’s future is not fragile, but secure in the strength, beauty and sincerity of the smile. 

As we leave, we carry with us the very sacred treasured memories and blessings of the Tongdosa temple.

A great ceremony in Bangji school.

"In my country we drink a lot of tea and have a very famous Royal family"

Rural landscapes.

Yongseong School had prepared a warm welcome for us.

'Harmony begins in the heart of each individual'

Running around the world from continent to continent.

The principal receives the certificate of appreciation.

Running into Jain Elementary.

We play the game of guessing our runner's' countries.

-I wonder if I will know the answer... "My name is Padmasini...

"Bonjour!" -I know, I know!!!

Escorted by many friends.

In the evening we arrive at the Sinnyeong Jan Motel – very simple and clean – we sleep, as elsewhere in rural Korea – on mats on the floor, which is actually surprisingly comfortable and very practical, for, in the morning, you simply fold up the mats and free up the space. 

In the evening we visit a provincial park.

In the afternoon we hiked up a mountain to a famous open temple, with a seated stone Buddha.  On top of his head is a slab of stone, as if he is carrying the weight of the world.  Our hike up to the temple is long and steep, but brightened by colourful lanterns hung all along the way.  Soon it will be the celebration of the Lord Buddha’s birthday and the Koreans have been preparing for months to make this festive occasion most glorious.

Zina from Tomsk, Russia: lover of all animals.

Temples line the way up the mountain.

At the top, ca. 800 metres, a sacred statue of the Buddha, supporting the responsibility of the Cosmos on his head.

People praying and meditating with the Buddha.

In the mountain-top temple, people of all ages pray with tremendous sincerity; legend says that whoever prays here will have their prayers answered. 

On our mountain trek, I was so impressed with the resilience and determination of those climbing the mountain.  People of all ages and capacities – some even lame or very old – all climbed the mountain to offer their devotion to the Lord Buddha and reap His Blessings.

Above our heads is a canopy of lanterns. Our team holds the Harmony Run torch  and pause for a photo historic against the picturesque background of mountains and valleys.

The Buddha's view...

The mountains are glorious.  Many blossoms have fallen, but the air is clear, the water pure and new growth is everywhere – much like the nation itself.

All along the way, interested people have been stopping us and showing such enthusiasm and appreciation.  Our team of mostly foreigners is definitely a unique sight here in rural Korea.  One lovely family I walked with spoke some English and their child, who was learning English in school, was happy to practice.  The natural Korean modesty and humility shows through when I chat with people – often they will diminish any show of capacity, although their English may be quite good.

At the bottom of the mountain, street vendors sell their wares.

We end the day with a feast of black noodles at a local restaurant. Delicious!

We had a wonderful dinner of homemade noodles in black bean sauce.  It was a family restaurant and all the children were there as well.  Later we all, children included, had ice cream sticks for dessert. 

The restaurant owners' children.

– Nilpushpi White, captions: Jan Klaile

Distance: 60 km

Team Members:
Alexandr Sasha Nikiforov (Russia), Akanda Norov (Mongolia), Apaguha Vesely (photo) (Czech Republic), Baltabek Nuzakhmetor (Kazakhstan), Bayanmunkh Batsukh (Mongolia), Deeldar Sedjav (photo) (Mongolia), Hemabha Jang (Korea), Jan Klaile (FInland), Josef Sverma (Czech Republic), Mridanga Spencer (video) (United Kingdom), Nilpushpi White (Canada), Padmasini Guillet (France), Pranlobha Kalagian (photo) (USA), Seth Feldman (Canada), Yura Taranik (photo) (Russia), Zinaida Tchopova (Russia)

Gallery: See more images!