The Allure of the Millennium-Old Temple, Murangsa
Murangsa Temple is located at the foot of Mansusan Mountain in Oesan-myeon, Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do. It was founded during the Unified Silla period, but was completely destroyed during the Imjin War. It was rebuilt by Zen Master Jinmuk during the reign of King Injo (1623-1649), and today I had the opportunity to visit this millennium-old temple.
As I passed through the Iljumun Gate, the large pillars and the sign reading '萬壽山 無量寺' gave me a sense of the temple's ancient history. The Iljumun Gate marks the entrance to the Buddha's world, urging visitors to leave behind worldly thoughts and embrace the mindset of a Bodhisattva.
Crossing the Guknak Bridge, I found the stupa of the monk Kim Si-seup to my left. His remains were discovered when a storm knocked down the stupa during the Japanese occupation. These remains were kept at the National Buyeo Museum until they were moved to Murangsa in 2017, and a new stupa was erected in October 2020.
The temple features numerous gates, and just past the Cheonwangmun Gate, I spotted the Traditional Culture Education Experience Center. This space offers cultural arts interpretations, eco-bag coloring, and offerings experiences.
Upon passing through the Cheonwangmun Gate, the five-story stone pagoda and the Guknakjeon Hall came into view. The scene, complemented by pine trees, felt refreshing and uplifting. During the Goryeo Dynasty, the temple had multiple halls and over 30 guest houses, as well as 12 hermitages. To the right, there was a bell pavilion.
The Guknakjeon Hall appears to be two stories, but inside, the upper and lower levels are integrated. In front of the Guknakjeon are the five-story stone pagoda and stone lantern, which add to the aesthetic from both the right and left perspectives.
The five-story stupa in front of the Guknakjeon is designated as Treasure No. 185 and harmonizes the styles of Baekje and Unified Silla. The octagonal stone pagoda enshrining the Buddha's remains symbolizes the Eightfold Path leading to enlightenment and nirvana.
The stone lantern, designated as Treasure No. 233, is located right in front of the five-story pagoda and is believed to be in its original position. It is noted for its beautiful lines and proportions, reflecting its historical value.
The Guknakjeon Hall houses Amitabha Buddha, the central deity of Murangsa, with a layout of five bays in the front and four on the sides. The internal pillars rise to become external pillars on the second floor.
Inside, Amitabha Buddha is flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. The main statue of Amitabha was created in the same year the Guknakjeon was reconstructed, 1633, and is the largest clay statue of its kind.
To the east of the Guknakjeon is the Myeongbujeon Hall, also known as the Jijangjeon, which houses statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the kings of the underworld who judge the deceased. This 19th-century building showcases a blend of elegant and intricate architectural styles, preserving traditional elements.
On the left is the Yeongsanjeon, symbolizing the Lotus Sutra teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It features a simple yet beautiful design typical of late Joseon architecture, with walls made of wooden panels.
The portrait of Kim Si-seup, a prominent figure from the early Joseon period, is a significant historical piece. After becoming a monk at the age of 21, he spent the rest of his life at Murangsa, making this portrait not only a depiction of a historical figure but also a masterpiece of Joseon-era portraiture.
Behind the Guknakjeon, the Samsunggak Hall was also bustling with visitors. The surrounding old trees and narrow stream create a harmonious atmosphere.
At the Murangsa Bell Pavilion, visitors write wishes for family health, success, and prosperity on tiles, adding to the lively atmosphere. I joined in, wishing for my children's well-being.
As I concluded my visit, I felt that despite the relatively chilly weather, many visitors had come to the temple, which matched its reputation as a millennium-old temple, exuding beauty and dignity. It was truly a meaningful journey.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224231638303
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