THE WISHING TREE OF THE BLUE DRAGON TEMPLE

There is a small temple facing south, on a hill overlooking the ancient Silla village of Nam Won. In its courtyard stands a gnarled tree guarding a hot spring. Every autumn children visit this temple, carrying paper lanterns. They hang lanterns on the tree and tie slips of rice paper beside the lanterns. It’s their hope that the tree’s spirit will answer these paper wishes. If the guardian spirit finds a wish worthy, it