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Ulyeok means residents in the temple all work together.
Ulyeok represents Korean Son tradition well . One rule of Son is day without work is a day without food. All Korean temples keep this rule, and it is not merely an admonishment, but in the self-sufficient life in a remote Buddhist temple, an axiom of practicality.
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Normally Ulyeok starts after breakfast. The Ulyeok agenda includes farming or upkeep. However, if there is no particular agenda, then one normally does ordinary sweeping of court yards or cleaning the buildings.
This is not just physical work, but should be seen as another way of practising, developing patience and discipline. While not as intensive as Son meditation, the tedium and mundaneity of basic work affords a strong foundation for the sunim practice.
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Also, after meditating, reading sutras, and worship, sunims find Ulyeok relaxing. Sweeping autumn leaves from the courtyard or snow from the pathways provides an opportunity to relate quietly with nature, and with each other in the community of work.
With all these benefits, you should join Ulyeok with pleasure. It is a good chance for you to express your gratitude to your hosts. Practitioners can be recharged through Ulyeok.
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