Meditation life at the Meditation Center in Geochang-gun, South Korea

Infos

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  Description

  @@@ Mountain Sanctuary
  Ungyang-myeon, Geochang-gun, South Korea | Elevation ~720m
  
  Set in the high-altitude tranquility of Geochang's mountains, our non-profit sanctuary combines classical early Buddhist meditation practice with self-sufficient, sustainable community living. Far removed from modern distractions, the center offers an immersive environment where practitioners can quiet the mind, connect with nature, and cultivate inner liberation.
  
  @@@Core Practice & Dhamma Teachings
  Rooted in the early discourses of the Pāli Canon, our guidance emphasizes a balanced, integrated approach to mental purification through two complementary wings:
  
  Samatha (Concentration / Calm Abiding): Centered primarily on Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing), practice begins by anchoring attention to a single object. This calms mental turbulence, relieves daily stress, and fosters an unshakable, joyful stability.
  
  Vipassanā (Insight Meditation): Utilizing the clarity and still foundation developed in Samatha, practitioners observe the moment-to-moment reality of mind and body. This direct observation dissolves habitual reactivity, cuts through underlying delusion, and uproots the causes of suffering.
  
  Together, these practices transform a scattered, reactive mind into one that is profoundly peaceful, balanced, and liberated.
  
  @@@: Stewardship & Self-Sufficiency
  Our daily life reflects our dedication to ecological harmony and mindful daily life (karma yoga)
  
  Organic Agriculture: Communal meals are prepared with wholesome produce grown right on the grounds using organic techniques and natural composting.
  
  Shared Stewardship: Supported entirely by voluntary donations (dāna), our community relies on collective care. Throughout the warmer seasons, practitioners and volunteers plant trees, tend gardens, cultivate food, and assist in building repairs and maintenance.
  
  Mindful Resource Use: We minimize our environmental footprint through rigorous recycling, reusing materials, and careful conservation of energy and water.
  
  @@@Sanctuary Guidelines & Discipline
  To preserve a protected container for deep practice, all residents, retreatants, and guests observe clear community guidelines:
  
  Noble Silence (Ariya-Tuṇhībhāva): Practicing silence outside essential instructions to preserve inward reflection.
  
  Digital Detox: Personal smartphones and connected devices are placed in safe keeping upon arrival for the duration of the stay. ( There are designated hours during which you may use your phone.)
  
  Clean Living: A strict non-smoking, drug-free, and alcohol-free policy across the entire sanctuary grounds.
  
  Living Arrangements: Simple, clean, and gender-separated residential quarters.
  
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  @@@Welcome to Our Sanctuary: Daily Guidelines
  We are glad you are here. To protect our peaceful space, we invite everyone to pause outside social routines, honor Noble Silence, and disconnect from digital devices.
  
  *Shared Service: Daily chores are guided by the monastic community to support the center.
  
  *Health & Care: Your well-being matters to us. Please openly inform us of any medical needs or physical limitations so we can support you safely.
  
  *Harmonious Conduct: Out of respect for the monastic setting, please dress modestly, honor separate quarters, and avoid physical displays of affection.
  
  *Fresh, Pure Air: To support deep meditation and healing, smoking, vaping, alcohol, and substances are strictly prohibited everywhere on the grounds.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage d'entretien

  Projets DIY créatifs

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Petits travaux d'entretien

  Aide informatique/internet
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Ferme

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Jardinage

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Nature
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Volunteer Work Schedule
  
  Regular Volunteer Service
  @@@ 5 hours of work per day, 5 working days per week , 2 days off per week
  
  @@@ We also offer 3.5 hours per day for those who wish dedicate more time to do meditation during their stay. (Requirement: for those stay more than 16 days)
  
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  @@@Meditation Activities
  Volunteers and meditators practice together, guided and led by the Sunims (Buddhist monastics).
  
  *Daily Group Meditation: Morning and evening group sittings.
  *Self-Guided Practice: Flexible daily time for personal meditation.
  *Buddhism Q&A: Buddhist teachings and practice Question. (once a week).
  *Guided Meditation: Experiential sessions through the Templestay program.
  *Tea & Dhamma Talks: Tea gatherings and discussions (once a week).
  *Walking Meditation
  *Yoga: Stretching to support seated practice (Fridays).

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  Aide

  Seasonal Activities and Volunteer Responsibilities at Our Meditation Center
  
  1. Spring (April – June): Construction, Maintenance, Planting, and New Beginnings
  
  Spring is a season of renewal and growth, when nature comes alive after the winter months. During this time, volunteers participate in preparing the soil, gardening, planting trees, and other agricultural activities. Volunteers also assist with ongoing building maintenance, repairs, and new construction projects.
  
  Some of these tasks require considerable physical effort. However, witnessing plants begin to grow and nature flourish can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
  
  2. Summer (July – August): Construction, Maintenance, Farming, and Perseverance
  
  Summer brings hot and humid weather, making outdoor work more physically demanding. Nevertheless, it is an important season for farming, gardening, and maintaining the center's facilities. Volunteers continue to participate in essential agricultural activities and can enjoy the fresh produce harvested through the community's collective efforts.
  
  Building maintenance, repairs, and construction projects continue throughout the year, including during the summer months. Despite the summer heat, the beautiful mountain scenery and the soothing sounds of cicadas offer moments of peace and relaxation for both mind and body.
  
  3. Autumn (September – November): Harvesting and Preparing for Winter
  
  Autumn is a colorful and rewarding season, dedicated to harvesting crops and preparing the center for the colder months. As the surrounding mountains transform into beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold, the natural landscape becomes especially breathtaking.
  
  Volunteers work together to harvest crops, plant winter vegetables, and carry out other seasonal responsibilities. Through shared work and the enjoyment of the harvest, residents and volunteers contribute to a warm, cooperative, and harmonious community atmosphere.
  
  4. Winter (December – March): Forest Maintenance, Outdoor Construction, and Quiet Dedication
  
  Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, transforming the meditation center and its surrounding mountains into a peaceful winter landscape. During this season, volunteers help with a variety of tasks, including clearing snow, organizing and maintaining indoor spaces, caring for trees in the mountains, woodworking, repairing buildings and equipment, and general maintenance. While the weather may be chilly, winter offers a unique opportunity to experience the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the meditation center.

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  Langues parlées

  Allemand: Courant
  Korean: Courant
  Malay: Courant
  Chinois (mandarin): Courant
  Anglais: Intermédiaire
  Espagnol: Débutant
  Français: Débutant

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  Hébergement

  Volunteer Accommodations
  @@@Living arrangements adjust naturally with the seasons and visitor numbers. We warmly appreciate your flexibility and communal spirit.
  
  1. Female Volunteers: Depending on the season and occupancy, accommodations are either private or shared with one roommate (two people per room). Bathroom facilities are shared.
  
  2. Male Volunteers: Accommodations are typically single rooms. During intensive meditation retreats or high-occupancy periods, some male volunteers may be asked to share the quiet yoga room as a communal sleeping area.
  
  @ Food and Dining
  Our meals are served buffet-style, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
  
  @ Minimum Stay
  To fully immerse yourself in the experience of meditation and service, we ask for a commitment of at least 16 days (including both your arrival and departure days).
  
  @ Visit and Travel
  Nearby, there are scenic local attractions and traditional Hanok village. On scheduled days off or during free periods, volunteers are welcome to explore these local cultural sites, or even plan short day trips further across the region.

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  Autres infos...

  @@@Beyond Volunteering: Center Offerings
  
  *Dedicated Practice: Welcoming long-term residents devoted to continuous, in-depth meditation practice.
  
  *Local Culture: Occasional outings to experience Geochang’s seasonal festivals, mountain scenery, and traditional culture together.
  
  *Language Learning: Korean language study opportunities for volunteers staying up to six months.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Plus de 2

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