The History of Songgwangsa Temple: From Ashes to Renewal
What comes to mind when you think of Songgwangsa Temple in Wanju? Perhaps you envision the lotus flowers gently blooming in front of the temple, emitting a subtle fragrance as summer begins. The lotus, which grows in muddy waters yet remains untainted, has long symbolized purity, enlightenment, and the cycle of life. In Buddhist culture, the lotus is the most representative plant symbolizing the world of Buddha, and various cultural practices, architecture, and rituals related to the lotus continue to this day in Korean temples.
Besides the magnificent Daeungjeon Hall, designated as a treasure, the serene smiles of the 500 Arhats cannot be overlooked. However, the history of how this temple came to be in its current form is hidden beneath nearly 400 years of layered stories. From the burned remnants of an old temple to the war hero monk, and the story of two different sects coexisting under one roof, the founding history of Songgwangsa Temple is like a drama. This time, I would like to share the story behind the tranquil halls of the temple.
After the fire that destroyed the original temple, the monks of Wonamsa, including Yeongho, Seungmyeong, Unjeong, Deokrim, Deuksun, and Hongsin, did not lose heart and began searching for a new site. They found it at the foot of Jongnamsan Mountain, which is where Songgwangsa Temple stands today. This location is said to have been designated as a good site by the great monk Bojo Jinul (1158–1210) of the Goryeo Dynasty.
The monks cherished this connection and began constructing various halls and the monks' lodgings. In 1631, they held the topping ceremony for Daeungjeon, and by 1638, they completed the hanging scroll behind the Buddha statue. Finally, in 1641, they enshrined the triad of the main Buddha and attendant Bodhisattvas in Daeungjeon. The story that began with a fire led to a large-scale reconstruction over 20 years.
During this time, when the temple was being built, Joseon was still recovering from the wounds of the Byeongja Horan (Second Manchu Invasion). A pivotal figure emerged who would change the fate of Songgwangsa: the war hero monk Byeokam Gakseong (1575–1660), who had fought during the invasion. In 1640, the government assigned Gakseong to protect Jeoksangsan Fortress in Muju. The monks of Songgwangsa went to the provincial government to request that Gakseong be allowed to stay at the temple, and they succeeded.
In 1641, after completing the enshrinement of the triad Buddha, Songgwangsa held a dedication ceremony and officially adopted the name 'Songgwangsa.' To commemorate its founding, the monks and Gakseong held a grand Hwaeom ceremony for 50 days, attracting over a thousand monks from across the country. This was akin to a large-scale Buddhist academic conference in Wanju.
The monument commemorating the founding of Songgwangsa was erected, with the inscription written by Shin Ikseong, the son-in-law of King Injo, and the calligraphy by Lee Gwang, a nobleman. This cultural heritage provides a glimpse into the deep connections with the Joseon royal family.
As the late Joseon Buddhist community evolved through the Imjin War and Byeongja Horan, two distinct sects emerged, emphasizing the lineage from teacher to disciple. One was the Cheongheo sect, founded by the famous general Cheongheo Hyujeong (1520–1604), and the other was the Buhyu sect, founded by the master of Byeokam Gakseong, Buhyu Seonsu (1543–1615). After Gakseong settled at Songgwangsa, his disciples took over the temple's management, leading Songgwangsa to naturally become a temple of the Buhyu sect.
However, an interesting twist occurred. A monk named Mujung Jasu (1664–1737), who had been ordained at Songgwangsa, learned Buddhist theories from the Buhyu sect but later received teachings from the Cheongheo sect's Chugye Yumu (1614–1689). After Yumu's passing, Jasu played a key role in promoting the Cheongheo lineage at Songgwangsa, leading to the coexistence of both sects within the temple.
In 1764, Chan-young of Songgwangsa published a work that organized the sects of Korean Buddhism, primarily focusing on the Cheongheo sect. This led to dissatisfaction among the Buhyu sect, resulting in a confrontation where a Buhyu monk burned the printing blocks, although some survived.
By the early 18th century, Songgwangsa had grown to include 18 structures, including Daeungjeon, and several hermitages. The current Daeungjeon was rebuilt in 1857 into a single-story structure after repeated renovations. Today, Songgwangsa is recognized as a cultural heritage site, housing five national treasures and various provincial cultural assets.
Recent efforts have shifted towards not just preserving cultural heritage in its completed form but sharing the maintenance process with the public. Songgwangsa has opened its restoration sites, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous work of artisans. As you stroll through Songgwangsa, consider the stories behind its serene halls, where 400 years of history quietly resonate.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/wanjugun/224364363861
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