Buddhist Temple Stay Connection Program Leads to Actual Marriages
The 'I am at the Temple' program by the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation is offering participants a true connection.
On the 22nd, the foundation announced that two couples who participated in the 'I am at the Temple, Baegyangsa' program held last November at Baegyangsa in Jeonnam, Jangseong, have confirmed their marriage.
They are scheduled to hold their weddings in November of this year and in May of next year.
A total of 12 couples participated in the event, and 7 couples expressed mutual affection, proving the program's potential for success. According to the foundation, the 'I am at the Temple' program, which was conducted six times nationwide last year, had 80 couples and 160 participants, of which two couples ended up getting married.
Proving the Program's Potential for Success
Connections Blooming in the Serenity of the Temple
'I am at the Temple' is designed as a program for individuals to find connections while getting to know each other in nature during a 1-night, 2-day temple stay.
Participants have opportunities to naturally get to know one another through various activities, including self-introduction, recreation, communal meals, temple walks, tea time, a couple photo contest, and education on low birth rates.
Notably, the event held in April at Ssanggyesa in Hadong resulted in the birth of 9 couples, marking the highest number of couples achieved thus far.
Participants shared positive impressions, stating, "It's hard to meet new people as we get older, but I was glad to meet various individuals through this program."
The Meaningful Journey of Buddhist Connections Leading to Marriage
The foundation indicated that while marriage has not yet been confirmed for all participants, there are some couples that are in discussions regarding their future.
If the couples wish, the foundation’s CEO, the Venerable Myojang, plans to officiate their weddings personally.
After the program, Venerable Myojang conveyed congratulations to those who formed connections, expressing, "Regardless of whether or not you become a couple, do not be attached to the outcome, and I hope this event serves as a new starting point." He added, "Please return to your respective lives and widely share the value of the connections made during this meeting."
Meanwhile, the 'I am at the Temple, Bongseonsa' event is scheduled to take place on the 19th to 20th of next month at Bongseonsa in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
Anyone in their 20s or 30s, regardless of religious affiliation, can apply, and applications can be submitted through the Google form mentioned in the foundation's website notice until 5 PM on the 30th. A total of 20 participants, 10 males and 10 females, will be selected.
Image Source: On November 2-3 of last year, male and female participants of the unmarried temple stay 'I am at the Temple, Baegyangsa' gathered at Cheonjinam in Baegyangsa and performed a prayer gesture. / Korean Buddhist Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation, A male and female participant hold hands at 'I am at the Temple' event held on August 9-10 last year at Naksansa in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. The blue and red threads symbolize the connection between males and females. / Korean Buddhist Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation, Korean Buddhist Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation.
