Why I Go to a Buddhist Temple Before Work

A lot has happened recently, and I felt unsettled. I wanted to start something new, but I didn’t know what.

Usually people sign up for a gym or buy a course. I went to a temple.

There was a temple I passed every morning on my run. I only ever looked at it. One day I went in.

There were a few people inside, and I saw a notice that the dawn service time was changing.

The thought of going crossed my mind. I don’t know why.

Did I need to register? Was there anything to bring? Could anyone just go?

I wondered for days. Thinking didn’t help. If it felt strange, I could just leave. So I went, nervous.

At first I didn’t know anything, so I just sat there and copied the woman next to me. She noticed. She brought me a book from the hall and explained which sutra we were reading.

I ended up reading the prayers along with everyone. I went back the next day, and the day after.

For the first three or four days, I was tense. I’d lie down early telling myself I had to go, and then lie awake worried I wouldn’t wake up. I hadn’t even registered, but I was putting pressure on myself.

At some point, that feeling went away. I stopped going because I had to. I just went when I woke up.

When I bow and read the prayers, those thoughts disappear.

On my first day, the service ended and I had no idea what had just happened. Then everyone turned to each other and said, “Seongbul-haseyo.” May you become a Buddha. Strangers, wishing that for each other.

I liked that more than I expected.

I still go. No registration, nothing to bring — anyone can just walk in. I did, knowing nothing.