Haňule z Kyjova

The day in a temple starts very early. From 5 o’clock the monks esemble in the main worship hall and pray and chant till 6 am. Than there is a breakfast. I was awakened by the bells and drums also very early and then just listened to the melody of the songs. “Omitofo. Omitofo.Omitofo.”

I was lucky again as there was a woman which stays in U.S. now and could speak English and she was so nice to show me the temple and explain the main “God” and his message. They wanted me to stay also for lunch, but I wanted to go explore the town so I left.

I went to the nearby Carp lake and another temple there. This was also very peaceful place as there were totally no people. As I walked the road to the city a car stopped in front of me and two ladies asked me where I am going and offered me a ride so I got to the centre very quickly and had more time to explore. First I found another temple where I found out that you can also get some free food if you are lucky. It was just porridge – rice with mushrooms, meat and vegetable, but it was warm and filling. A grandma started talking with me so I tried my best to have some conversation. Then a man from the temple came to me and gave me one lucky charm or prayer from the temple.
Next to this temple there is another one, much smaller Confucius temple. It was more peaceful here and very nice.

After that I set on a 8km long journey to a monastery north from the city. After yesterday’s hiking and with my backpack which I now think is too heavy this was not that easy but the Taiwanese nature again helped me. A lady riding her bike stopped me asking where I am going and than insisted on riding me on get scooter.
The temple is very modern one, looks more like a rocket and is a landmark of the surrounding area. The main shrine is made of dark stone and Buddha carved in white one. With simple decorations of golden and the two red lions at the entrance the whole building leaves a magnificent impression.
There were a lot of Nuns going around so I tried my luck again and asked one if it is possible to sleep there. She said no, however her friend could speak English and she remembered she has another friend working nearby in a community for older people and that it might be possible for me to go there. She made a phone call and gave me the address. So I set on a journey back to the city and after walking maybe 4 kilometers I found the place. I was so lucky as I immediately met a Philippine woman who could speak English and she took care of me and we became friends. But more about it next time.