Gazing at the Uicheon River, have you ever wondered about its namesake? The Uicheon River isn’t named for the waterway itself, but for a remarkable royal figure, Uicheon. He was born Wang Hu, a prince during the Goryeo Dynasty. Uicheon dedicated his life to Buddhist scholarship. The Uicheon River stands as a tribute to his profound impact on Korean Buddhism.
Uicheon, born in 1055, was the fourth son of King Munjong. At the young age of 11, he chose the monastic life. He studied at Yeongtong Temple, delving into Buddhist and Confucian texts. His brilliance shone early. He immersed himself in the vast Chinese Buddhist canon, explored various East Asian Buddhist schools, and mastered Chinese classics. Uicheon’s knowledge reached far beyond Korea’s borders, even attracting the attention of Chinese Emperor Zhezong. He journeyed to China, engaging in scholarly exchanges with prominent monks, particularly those of the Huayan sect. He even traveled to the Liao Dynasty, furthering his Buddhist studies and serving as a priest for Emperor Daozong.
Back in Korea, Uicheon’s reputation blossomed. King Seonjong, recognizing the need for Buddhist revival, appointed him head monk at Heungwang Temple. There, Uicheon established a scriptural repository, gathering texts from China and Japan. He published an extensive collection of the Avatamsaka Sutra, spanning over 4,740 volumes. He also compiled numerous Buddhist commentaries from across East Asia, creating the “Goryeo Catalog of Sutras.” Uicheon’s literary contributions are extensive. He authored numerous works, including the “New Compilation of the Teachings of the Seon Sect” and the evocative “Songs and Trees of the Stone Garden.” His title, Daegak Guksa, meaning “State Preceptor Grand Enlightenment”, reflects his profound understanding of Buddhist principles. As we stand by the Uicheon River, let us remember the prince turned monk who illuminated the path of Korean Buddhism. His legacy flows not just through the river that bears his name, but through the enduring wisdom he left behind.