An Exploratory Study to Define the Concept of ‘Pilgrimage Meditation’
The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence September 30, 2023 Jung-seop Youm, K. Shon, Bang-Hyun Shin et al.
Pilgrimage meditation, as practiced by pilgrims at Buddhist holy sites, encompasses experiences in five areas: the pilgrimage itself, the self, others, the world, and walking. Fourteen categories of meditation experience were identified across these areas. Seven categories of elements that should define pilgrimage meditation were also identified, spanning motivation and purpose, content, method, results, and other considerations. A final definition of pilgrimage meditation was derived through expert verification. These findings provide basic data for the sustainable development of pilgrimage sites by clarifying the meditation experiences of pilgrims.