A Weekend Escape into Silence – My First Templestay Experience at Baekyangsa
I had reached a point where burnout was more than just a buzzword—it was my reality. The screen, the subway, the scroll—it all became too loud. So I packed a small bag and headed south to Baekyangsa, a temple nestled in the folds of Naejangsan, to experience a weekend templestay.
Day 1 – Entering Stillness
Upon arrival, the monk greeted us with tea and a calm smile. Shoes came off, phones went silent, and schedules were handed out. The first bell rang at 4:30 PM. We followed the monk along a forest path, each footstep echoing in the woods. The evening chanting felt foreign at first, but soon the vibration of each syllable began to slow my breath. Silence began to feel safe.
Day 2 – 108 Bows and Breakfast
Waking up at 5 AM was difficult—but 108 bows awakened muscles I forgot existed. We bowed with the sound of moktak filling the air. After, we shared a silent breakfast, each motion deliberate and mindful. I remember noticing the texture of rice for the first time in years.
Unexpected Moments
- Writing a letter to myself during tea meditation—something I hadn’t done since middle school
- The forest walk where I didn’t check my phone for three hours and didn’t even miss it
- The monk’s words: “You don’t have to solve everything today. Just breathe one truth at a time.”
Final Thoughts
When I left Baekyangsa, the world didn’t change—but I had. My steps were slower, my mind quieter. I promised myself I’d bring at least five minutes of this stillness into each day back in Seoul. And so far, I have.
