A whisper of ancient wisdom. That’s what you feel standing before Bongeunsa Temple. Its history unfolds like a scroll. Bongeunsa Temple a millennial Buddhist temple stands proudly in Seoul. Founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of the Silla Dynasty. It was the work of National Master Patriarch Yeonhoei. Bongeunsa later became central to Korean Buddhism’s revival. The Venerable Bowoo played a significant role.
Monks trained here at Seunggwapyeong. This was the area of the current COEX location. Distinguished masters like the Venerable Seosan and the Venerable Samyeong. They carried on the Seon meditation legacy. The temple’s significance expanded during the Joseon Dynasty. The Venerable Yeonggi constructed Panjeon. This hall enshrines 81 volumes of the Avatamsaka Sutra’s woodblocks. Kim Jeonghee a renowned scholar and calligrapher spent his later years here. He perfected his ‘Chusache’ style. His calligraphy on Panjeon’s hanging board represents his final masterpiece.
Bongeunsa Temple continues to make history. It operates with a practice-oriented approach. The temple offers Temple Stays. These programs share Korean Buddhism and culture worldwide. Bongeunsa is also deeply involved in public welfare. The Daewoongjeon hall rebuilt in 1982 houses three wooden Buddha statues. These are a national treasure. They depict Sakyamuni Buddha the Medicine Buddha and the Amitabha Buddha. A beautiful painting complements the statues. The hall features unique architectural elements. Dragon images adorn the stair railings. These were typically found only in royal palaces.
Panjeon built in 1855 holds more treasures. It preserves the 81 volumes of the Avatamsaka Sutra woodblocks. The hall also contains woodblocks of the Vimalakirti Sutra and other significant works. In total 3438 woodblocks are carefully kept. Panjeon is Bongeunsa’s oldest building. It enshrines the Vairocana Buddha. The Bongeunsa Bronze Incense Burner is another highlight. It was crafted in 1344. The inscription names Kim Kyung the master artisan. One hundred and three letters are inscribed. The incense burner initially resided at Jungheungsa Temple. It was transferred to Bongeunsa during the Joseon Dynasty. Queen Munjeong’s devotion to Buddhism likely influenced this.
The wooden Statues of Sakyamuni Triad another national treasure date back to the mid-17th century. Monk Seungil created them. They represent the hope and compassion of Buddhism. Bongeunsa Temple stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. It is a living testament to Korean Buddhist history and culture. Its legacy continues to inspire. It welcomes visitors from all walks of life to experience its spiritual essence. Its beauty and significance resonate throughout Seoul and beyond.