Korean Summer Study Programme

The History of Wookblocks of Korean Buddhist Canon

2009-10-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

We were privileged to learn from Professor Robert Buswell of University of California Los Angeles who gave us many lectures on Buddhism in Korea. His lectures lasted two weeks. This video clip captures Professor Buswell's explanation of the history of making the woodblock prints of Korean Buddhist Canon. The Tripitaka Koreana made of woodblocks is a national treasure in Korea and an amazing achievement of the past. The Unesco World Heritage temple Haeinsa holds 81,340 woodblocks today. It took 16 yeas to complete the woodblocks.

Experiencing Religion, Culture and Society in Korea: A Spa Journey 2008

2009-10-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

This is the DVD produced for the undergraduate module SR3028 Religion, Culture and Society in Korea organized by Dr. Mahinda Deegalle. It is a reedited version to place in the web. For the first time, a team of Bath Spa students went to Korea in June 2008 for one month to initiate the international exchange between Bath Spa University and Dongguk University. This programme has been funded twice now by the British Council and as a result, it has become an important part of international education programme in the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries as well as Bath Spa University. Now every year we welcome several Korean students from Dongguk University to our programmes at Bath Spa. We are also now in the process of producing another DVD this year on the basis of our journey to Korea in July 2009.

Food with Flavour and Aesthetics

2009-10-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

In Korea, food has flavour as well as aesthetics. The national staple Kimchi was a main part of diet as it is today. A side dish of spiced Kimchi was found in all three meals. To sustain life in long winters a variety of vegetables traditionally were preserved in jars like this.

Deegalle on Bath Spa 'Study of Religions and Ethics" and International Programme

2009-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Deegalle describes his research activities and the "Study of Religions and Ethics" degree programme at Bath Spa University with new developments of expanding international cooperation to Korea with a student exchange with Dongguk University, South Korea funded by the British Council.

Experiences Remembered!

2009-09-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Korean Cultural Centre in Trafalgar Square in London. Suddenly I remembered my favourite food and sites that I was familiar with when I visited Seoul a few weeks early. Perhaps, our students too have memories to cherish! Many dishes to taste! Many photos to take!!

Temple Stay at Yongjusa

2009-07-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Bath Spa team spent one-night temple stay at Yongjusa temple in Kyunggi on 14-15 July 2009. This was an special occasion since Angharad had a special cake for her birthday. The activities included the participation in the tea ceremony, making lotus lanterns, making a rosary, a meditation session with yogic exercise and a tour in the temple which included printing Buddhist scriptures. Keel University students joined Bath Spa team.

International Conference on Buddhist Meditation

2009-07-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

On 13th July 2009, Dr. Deegalle participated in the International Conference on "Buddhist Meditation in Theory and Practice" hosted by BK21 Buddhist Studies in a Global Age of Dongguk University. Dr. Deegalle was the discussent for the paper on "The Theory and Practice of Meditation" deliverded by Professor Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne). Professor Robert Buswell (UCLA) presented a paper on "Kanhwa Son" meditation and the speakers were introduced by Professor Yong-pyo Kim of Dongguk University, Director of Brain Korea 21.

European Buddhism TV Documentary

2009-07-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Buddhist Telivision Network in Seoul invited Dr. Deegalle to appear in their TV documentary on European Buddhism that is under production now. The interview was held on Friday 10 July at the studio in Seoul. The TV crew plans to travel in Europe for one month from the middle of July. The documentary is produced by Mr. Burn-Soo Kim.

Trying out warrior dress

2009-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

As a part of summer school excursion, Professor Bronkhorst, Lucy and Helena did not forget to try out what it means to be a warrior even for a moment in a hot day!

2009-07-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Office of International Programs and Education at Dongguk University hosted a special feast for the visiting scholars today at Sky Garden Italien Restaurant. The present were (from left to right): Professor Il-Chung Kim (Host and Dean, Office of International Programs and Education, Dongguk University), Professor Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne, Switzerland), Professor Sangbeom Koo (Dongguk University), Professor Jae Soh (Seoul Institute of the Arts), Mr. Sang Yoo Kim (Dongguk University), Dr. Mahinda Deegalle (Bath Spa University), Dr. Ian Simm (Director, British Council in Korea), Ms. Seungeun Chang (Assistant Director, British Council in Korea), and Dr. Nick Bently (Keel University).

Meeting a Famous Korean Film Director

2009-07-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

One week almost has passed. We have been busy. We have done a lot of things within this week. We had a rare opportunity on 3rd July 2009. Korean film director, Mr. Lee Myung-se came to give us a lecture on his work and I was able to present the last year's DVD. He is considering producing a film on Buddhism in future.

Second Team of Bath Spa Students in Seoul

2009-06-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

The day rainy season began (29 June 2009), in the early morning when we arrived in Seoul Incheon International Airport by Air France from Paris. Perhaps, one could say we brought the rain, thunderstorm or whatelse from Europe!! The photograph shows the student team having coffee at London Heathrow Airport before departure to Paris on 28th June.

Today is a heated day (from British standards and not by any means from East Asian regularities). Though now when I write this to the Blog, cool breeze comes through the temple window of a ground floor room in Jeong Hye Sa temple of Venerable Dr. Chongdok Sunim who has kindly agreed to support me by providing temple accommodation. I already got the beauty (or 'worth' in capitalist terms!) of staying in a temple when I had a communal meal in a circular table with four monks. This is also a modern temple built in 1998 in Ilsan area of Seoul. Hope to bring a lot of news on this temple very soon again perhaps with pictures (though sadly I decided deliberately to give some rest to my Canon Powershot G7 which is inevitably essential for this Blog posting).

The students who came with me are now with host families (perhaps in sleep now recovering from long jet ride via Paris); Though not sure 100%, perhaps, their first day in life, with long lasting memories, living for a month in a non-British Asian family. Rather than putting forwarding my ideosyncratic predictions, let us wait what they come up it in the coming weeks. To all those who supported us this year, thanks and greetings from Seoul from one without a 'soul.'

The 2009 Team is Ready to Go to Korea

2009-05-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

We are now ready to leave for Korea. This year's team consists of Dr. Deegalle, Lucy, Gina, Angharad, Caroline and Helena. It is a mixed group. Some are experienced travelers, others are novices to the trade. However, all are keen to learn and experience Korea. They are looking forward to engage in creative activities while carrying out fieldwork observations in Seoul. Students have already received orientation sessions and technical training in the Broadcasting Lab of the University and have been reading materials to familiarise themselves with Korea. We had close contacts with Korean students who have been visiting us for the past year from Dongguk University. They are happy and expecting to return to Korea soon. Our team is looking forward to seeing their home instition in Seoul and religious observations of modern Korea. We will keep you posted our progress.

DVD Launching Day

2008-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

On 1 December 2008, the DVD entitled Religion, Culture and Society in Korea was screened at Bath Spa University. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan and the Head of School of Historical and Cultural Studies, Professor Fiona Montgomery, attended the event. The DVD was well received by the keen audience including Korean students who are visiting Bath Spa in this academic year.

Launching the DVD on Korean Summer Study

2008-11-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

After several months of work, finally, we are ready to launch our DVD "Experiencing Religion, Culture and Society in Korea." In a special celebration to be held in the Main House of Bath Spa University, the DVD, which gathers some of the experiences of one month fieldwork of Bath Spa University students' fieldwork in Seoul, Korea, will be screened on 1 December 2008.

Hospitality in Jungtosa and Getting Ready for Departure from Seoul

2008-07-31T01:05:00.000-07:00

My last day in Seoul was a special day. It was Tuesday 29th July. Ven. Han Bo Kwang had invited Ven. Misan, Ven. Chongdok and me to visit his temple, Jungtosa, which is dedicated for Pure Land practices. At the time of our visit, the temple had begun 100,000 chanting of nembutsu (recitation of the name) of Amida Buddha of Western Paradise (sukhavati). When we arrived in Jungtosa, Ven. Bo Kwang, who is also the Director of Electronic Buddhist Text Institute (EBTI) and Professor of Department of Zen Studies with specialization of Dogen studies at Dongguk University, welcomed us and performed the traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, we were invited for a special lunch offered on Lotus leaf with noodles made of Lotus. This was an extraordinary treat. As a Sri Lankan, I had heard that eating from Lotus leaf was very common in ancient Sri Lanka but had no previous experience of such a lunch. After lunch we returned to Dongguk University for Ven. Misan's lecture on Seon Meditation practice. I had a busy evening with farewell parties and meetings and receiving gifts. The patrons of Sangdo Meditation Center offered me a special cake, special music with Piano playing and a gift that reminds me of the search for bodhi.

Time to Say 'Good Bye' to Seoul

2008-07-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

With long lasting memories, experiences and new friendships created over a one-month period, we left Seoul on 30th July at 11.15 a.m. by Finnair flight to Helsinki. We did not forget to record some of the things that we saw in the Incheon airport in Seoul. One could see the team is busy in negotiating packing issues and the things that want to buy at last minute. Duty Free shops still remain the temptation even after one-month of shopping in Seoul! Now we are safely back at home and plan to keep you informed of some of our memories in Seoul in the past month.

Dongguk University Students who Plan to Study at Bath Spa

2008-07-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Five undergraduate students from Dongguk University plan to study for a year at Bath Spa University in the Presessional Summer Programme and undergraduate programme in 2008-9. Today Bath Spa 'orange' team met Dongguk University students and had lunch together at the Italian Restaurant called 'Kitchen' located within the University premises. The Dongguk students who plan to travel to England this weekend are (i) Sung Il, (ii) Jung-ju, (iii) Kowa, (iv) Saehee, and (v) Ye Ji.

Visiting Chun-Ma Rehabilitation Center in Busan

2008-07-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

From 25-27 July, I spent time in Busan. I was invited by Professor Soonil Hwang and his elder sister Ms. So Jin Hwang to visit Chun-Ma Rehabilitation Center which provides facilities for nearly 200 inmates with over 40 full-time staff. What is fascinating about this center is that the inmates are good at producing ceramics. All are participating in center's activities including the worship service at 7.45 am. I spend two nights in the center and was able to observe activities including taking one breakfast and lunch with the inmates. This center has its origin in 1960s. More can be obtained from http://www.chunmarc.com

Constructing the New Catalog for the Chinese Buddhist Canon

2008-07-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

An international workshop sponsored by Institute of Electronic Buddhist Texts & Culture Content of Dongguk University was held today under the title of "Constructing the New Catalog for the Chinese Buddhist Canon." This workshop was attended by scholars from Taiwan, Korea, USA, Hungry and UK. The keynote speaker was Professor Lewis Lancaster of University of California and the guests were welcome by Professor Bokwang Sunim, Director of EBTI at Dongguk University.

Wednesday Rehearsal of Old Wounds

2008-07-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Again and again Seoul convinces me that as a modern city, it has become the ideal place for free expression. Of course, a bus load of police is guarding the protesters but perhaps it is for protesters' safety.

Today is Wednesday and I did not forget to visit the site of Japanese embassy in Seoul. We have less than seven days to stay in Seoul and witness the rich heritage.

My Wednesday witness was a rehearsal of old wounds in public as protests. It was the issue of comfort women. Protesters on one side and police surrounded the crowd on all sides. It was an impressive performance.

Distinguished Lectures at Dongguk University

2008-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our stay in Seoul has been very productive. Within the last three weeks, in addition to our regular study programme, we had three special lectures by three distinguished international scholars. The Electronic Buddhist Texts & Culture Content / International Association for Buddhist Thought and Culture, BK21 Buddhist Studies in a Global Age sponsored the special lecture series.
(i) Professor Jens Braavig of Department of Cultural Studies and Oriental Languages of University of Oslo presented a paper on "Instruction to the Manuscripts of the Schoyen Collection" on 3 July 2008 and (ii) Professor Torkel Brekke of the same Department discussed a paper on "The Political Use of Buddhist Relics in Modern South Asia" on 2 July and (iii) Dr Peter Skilling of Ecole Française D'Extreme-Orient presented a paper on "The Life of the Buddha at Phanigiri in Andhra Pradesh" on 18 July.

Tuesday in Seoul

2008-07-22T07:35:00.001-07:00

Tuesday began with an early waking up. I arrived at Dongguk University at 9 a.m. to meet the guest lecturer, Mr. Hwangbo Jin (MA student in Indian Philosophy and Current Affairs and Documentaries Dept. Organizer of Munhwa Broadcasting Corp.) who lectured on Confucianism for our students. We had lunch with Professor Sun-Keun Kim (Professor of Indian Philosophy and President of Korea Association for Buddhist Studies) who has written extensively on Mahatma Gandhi, including The Philosophical Thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi (Vikas Publishing). Afternoon was the time to meet to Dr. Hanrok Kang who lectured on "Comfort Women" of Korea during foreign occupation. Our team met briefly to plan the rest of the week. I had a friendly conversation and tea with Professor Hwang and Professor Lewis Lancaster, formerly University of California, Berkeley. I spent evening walking around Myeong-dong area and captured popular culture and music of modern Korea. Everyone is dressed well in a festive fashion.

Nationalism and Democracy in Seoul

2008-07-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, Korea faced threats from her neighbours. Dongdaemun (Great East Gate) Park commemorates the national heroes. The prison in the park is a stark reminder of atrocities and memories of independence fighters. Even today, in the heart of Seoul, I witnessed a bold Korean expression of protest just beginning to get its shape before the arrival of riot Police in bus loads. Democracy is alive in this city!

Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture and Nuns' Cafe

2008-07-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

Since we arrived in Seoul on 30th June, we have been very busy. We visited many places and met many people who are interested in us. I have been late in reporting some of those important encounters and events. One of the first things that I did when I arrived in Seoul was meeting Ven. Dr. Misan Sunim. In the afternoon of 30th June, Professor Stephen F. Teiser (D.T. Suzuki Professor in Buddhist Studies, Princeton University, USA) who was teaching a summer course at Seoul National University, visited Sangdo Meditation Center and we were served tea by Misan Sunim in a traditional Buddhist manner. After visiting Sunim's temple, both of us were taken to Nuns' cafe located in another part of Seoul where we were served coffee by Buddhist nuns. This is a new development in modern Korean Buddhism to make Buddhism accessible to the public. The nuns' cafe is a very attractive place like the Sangdo Meditation Center. Both places are new. Misan Sunim invited both of us join him to visit Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture on 2nd July 2008. This research institute is a very special place. It was founded in 1990 by His Holiness Jikwan Sunim, the current President of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Its important research activity is compiling Kasan Encyclopedia of Buddhism. When we arrived at the Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture we were welcome by the Venerable nun Go OK, the present Director of the institute. We were given a warm reception. We had a tour of the research library and brief meetings with Korean researchers who work there. Our day there ended with an exquisite lunch. As a research institute, I was fascinated to learn about its resources. To my surprise, I learnt that the late Professor Heinz Bechert of University of Gottingen in Germany, who had contributed immensely to the study of Theravada Buddhism, had donated his vast collection of Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit and other library materials to Kasan Institute of Buddhist Culture. We had a fruitful day in the company of a warm and generous gathering.