Ullyeok: Shared Temple Work, Sweeping Leaves Together
Ullyeok is work done together by everyone living at a Korean temple, and physical tasks like sweeping the courtyard or tending the fields are treated as practice too. To do it, move the broom evenly in one direction and keep your mind on what your hands are doing. At Hapjang (합장), the online temple Goyosa, everyone online sweeps the same 24 patches of fallen leaves in the courtyard, and a patch one person sweeps turns clean on everyone else's screen too.
- Where
- Courtyard
- What
- Sweeping fallen leaves, 24 patches
- Alone or together
- Everyone online sweeps the same courtyard together
- With a monk
- Up to two people beside Pinewind Sunim
- What you need
- Nothing
What does ullyeok mean?
Ullyeok means many people pooling their strength to work together, and it is said to come from unryeok (運力), a word long used in temples. In Zen (Seon) Buddhism, an old master's saying is passed down: "A day without work is a day without food," and monks have treated work as part of their practice ever since. Which tasks are done as ullyeok varies by temple and season.
How to sweep as a practice
- Don't swing the broom wide; sweep low and in one direction so less dust rises.
- Rest your mind on the stroke you are making now rather than on getting everything clean.
- Rather than chatting with the person beside you, stay with moving together at the same rhythm.
- Don't bend deeply at the waist; hold the broom handle long and sweep with your back straight.
Who it suits
It suits people who find sitting meditation stifling or who want to rest while moving their body. Many temple stay (templestay) programs include a short session of ullyeok.
How to sweep the courtyard as ullyeok
- Pick up the broom Hold the broom lightly in both hands and stand in front of the area to sweep.
- Divide the area If others are with you, split up the space so you don't overlap.
- Sweep in one direction Sweep low and evenly from the outside toward one side, as if gathering the leaves.
- Gather the leaves Collect the gathered leaves in one place or put them where they belong.
- Put things back Return the broom to where it was and put your palms together.
Try it in Hapjang
Walk up to the broom in the courtyard to start Courtyard chores. The fallen leaves are divided into 24 patches, and because the server shows every visitor the same courtyard, a patch you sweep becomes clean on other people's screens too. Beside Pinewind Sunim, who sweeps the courtyard, up to two people can sweep with him. No words are exchanged; you simply sweep the same courtyard together. When you finish, the 掃 stamp is added to your Goyosa notebook.
Frequently asked questions
What does ullyeok mean?
It means many people pooling their strength to work together. At temples, shared community work such as sweeping the courtyard, farming, or clearing snow is called ullyeok.
Can I do ullyeok if I come in alone?
Yes. You can sweep on your own, and if others are there at the same time, you end up sharing the same courtyard.
Related pages
- Stone Pagoda Courtyard: Pagoda Circling and IncenseGoyosa's courtyard has a stone pagoda, stone lantern, lotus basin, and incense burner. In Hapjang, circle the pagoda and sweep leaves together.
- With the Monks: Tea, Pagoda Circling, and a Wrist MalaSpend time with Hapjang's monks through gesture, not words: a cup of tea, pagoda circling, shared work, walking to the moktak, and a daily wrist mala.
- Baru Gongyang: Korean Temple Bowl Meal Steps & EtiquetteWhat the Korean temple bowl meal (baru gongyang) means, its order and etiquette with four bowls, and how to try it in six steps in Hapjang.
- Together Without Words: Being With Others in HapjangThere's no chat on Hapjang's temple grounds. How to keep others company with half bows, breathing together, and the shared courtyard, incense and cairns.
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