Yeongsanjae Ceremony

The Buddhist monks from Bongwon Temple, Seoul perform one of the most important and elaborate performance ceremonies in the Korean Buddhist and artistic canon, The Yeongsanjae Ceremony. This ritual, which uses dance, drumming, and chanting is the basis much of Korean traditional dance.

Bongwon Temple is the preserver and transmitter of The Yeongsanjae Ceremony: a symbolic re-enactment of Buddhas Lotus Sutra address on Mt. Grdhrakuta (Republic of Korea Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 50). Intended for the masses, Buddhas words were developed into a ritual by the monks, weaving its scared essence through music and movement. Unique to Korea, this elaborate performance of ceremonial chanting and dancing is ignited with colourful ritual robes and headdresses, and accompanied by gongs, cymbals, hand bells, wooden clappers and a huge barrel drum. The ceremony prays for both the living and the departed in hopes of leading them to unity, peace and the joy of enlightenment. The Monks of the Okcheon Buddhist Music College perform this impressive Buddhist ritual, touring internationally to cultivate world peace.

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Entertainment

Tags:

• Bongwon
• Temple
• Korea
• Yeongsanjae
• Ceremony