It was very gratifying to discover this song in a Korean historical drama, although which one, I can't now remember from which the video clip on my prior post on Buddhist vocabulary originated. I am reminded of 인연, or synchronicity, in being brought to the point where I could attempt the translation.

I forgot to note the title Musanggae ( 무상계 無常戒 ) is teachings for the departed. I mentioned this in my first post that I've seen other Buddhist songs and chants on youtube with the same title but the content is different. I thought maybe it's a genre; I considered the subject "on impermanence." This particular song is also subtitled "the saddest song in the world."

Even since I heard this song, I've been interested in it. When I went to some of the other videos with the same title, there was one with a chant echoing in the mountains. Perhaps anyone who has gone to the mountains to see a Buddhist temple has had this experience.

What is your background? I'm curious as to how you are so knowledgeable of Buddhism and these languages.

Last edited Tue May 14, 2019, 04:33 PM - Edit history (1)

for almost three years. I took a couple of formal basic Korean courses. I traveled quite a bit as part of my job. It was very difficult to learn the language, and frankly I gave up for a long time, except for rudimentary communication like greetings, ordering food, and the like. The Army provided me with an interpreter when I went on the road. I still remember Mr. Shin, who told me I sounded like I was singing when I spoke Korean, because I used to memorize songs for the annual social get togethers with Korean officials.

About five years ago, I saw a web site I think promoted by the South Korean government called Talk to me in Korean, I did most of the lessons in there (free), and then I realized through contacts in the local Korean community (which is almost entirely Christian by the way) that South Korean television was freely available online. After watching many of those programs, for a few years since I retired, I became more proficient. I'm still not fluent, aural communication is the most difficult. I'd probably have to live in Korea for at least a few months if not longer to improve.

Anyway, I watch Korean news broadcasts, documentaries, and dramas on a daily basis. Much of the time I have to read the "chamak" or subtitles in hangul if the accents are too thick or I don't know the vocabulary. The subtitles are usually unreliable as well, especially if they are computer driven. I have a post up on the complexity and fluidity of the Korean vocabulary over on the languages and linguistics group, it's very challenging. I see one mistake I made on this translation, already.

When it comes to Buddhism, I am a neophyte. I read stuff by Alan Watts and DT Suzuki a long time ago and liked it quite a bit. I see the temple life on tv programming from time to time and take if for granted as part of the culture. It's part of a broad spectrum of Asian culture, that I think should be respected, and understood. I appreciate your interest and this Buddhist group.