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Naksansa

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Naksansa
One of the halls on the grounds of Naksansa
Korean name
Hangul
낙산사
Hanja
Revised RomanizationNaksansa
McCune–ReischauerNaksansa

Naksansa or Naksan Temple is a Korean Buddhist temple complex in the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism that stands on the slopes of Naksan Mountain. It is located about midway between Sokcho and Yangyang, Gawngwon Province, eastern region of South Korea. Naksansa is one of the few temples in Korea to overlook the Sea of Japan (East Sea).[1][2]

Naksan is an abbreviated term of Botarakgasan (補陀洛伽山) in Korean to refer to "Potalaka Mountain", the place where the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is believed to live. Thus, Naksan Mountain is regarded as Korea's Potalaka Mountain. The Bodhisattva is said to live on a sea-bound island along with guardian dragons. Naksansa is regarded as one of the great eight scenic areas in the Eastern region of Korea, known as "Gwandong Palgyeong" (관동팔경).[1][2]

History

Naksansa was founded in 671 CE, by the Buddhist monk, Uisang Daesa (Grand Mater Uisang), an ambassador of the 30th King Munmu of the Silla Period (BC 57-AD 935)[1][2] after he had returned from studying abroad in the Chinese Tang Dynasty, who, while meditating near the cave in which the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Gwaneumbosal) was believed to have lived, was told by the Bodhisattva to build the temple there.

Today, the octagonal Uisangdae Pavilion sits on the spot where Uisang once meditated, the current pavilion having been built in 1925.

Treasures

Mount Naksan is crowned by the Buddhist statue of Haesugwaneumsang (Bodhisattva of Mercy), known as the goddess Gwanseum-Bosal, facing southeast standing 15m/49ft high on a 2.8m/9ft high pedestal. The white granite statue stands in a clearing at the top of the hill, eyes and fingers closed in peaceful meditation as it gazes out to sea. The massive statue is the work of Busan sculptor Gwon Jong Hwan and was dedicated in 1977. 700 tons of granite and six months were required to complete the sculpture. It is the largest Buddhist statue of its kind in the Orient.

Hongreanam was built by Ui-Sang as a Hermitage above a stone cave. In the sanctuary floor there is a 10cm/4in opening through which you can see the sea below.

Naksansa's seven storied stone pagoda, Naksansachilcheungseoktap (Seven storied stone pagoda in Naksansa Temple) built in 1467, the 13th year of the reign of King Sejo is Treasure No.499. During a repair, it is said that a Buddhist rosary and a magic bead were sealed inside the pagoda. The seven storied stone pagoda is an example of the Goryeo style pagoda having a single square foundation. The square foundation on this pagoda is carved with 24 lotus petals. Of special note is a stone prop in each story, which is larger and thicker than its body stone. The pagoda is formed with thin eaves, a straight slope, and upward edges. On the finial, around the long thin, bronze rod are ornaments similar to those in Lama pagoda of Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) in China. Mostly it follows the rather simple style of the Goryeo pagodas though.

  • Uisangdae Pavilion clings to the rocks overlooking the East Sea
    Uisangdae Pavilion clings to the rocks overlooking the East Sea
  • Haesugwaneumsang (Bodhisattva of Mercy), known as the goddess Gwanseum-Bosal, gazes out to sea
    Haesugwaneumsang (Bodhisattva of Mercy), known as the goddess Gwanseum-Bosal, gazes out to sea
  • Hongreanam poised over the sea above the cave
    Hongreanam poised over the sea above the cave
  • Naksansa's seven storied stonepagoda, Naksansachilcheungseoktap
    Naksansa's seven storied stonepagoda, Naksansachilcheungseoktap

2005 fire and reconstruction

A picture of the 2005 fire posted on a signboard on the grounds of Naksansa

Most of Naksansa was destroyed by a fire that started in the surrounding forest on April 5, 2005. The temple bell, a national treasure, was also melted and destroyed in the fire. The museum displays a violin and cello built from wood found on the temple grounds that survived the fire.

  • The temple was earlier destroyed by fire during the Mongolian invasion of the 13th century.
  • During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the temple was repeatedly reconstructed and expanded by royal order in 1467, 1469, 1631 and 1643.
  • The pre-2005 fire facilities were constructed in 1953 after the buildings were again destroyed during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Present reconstruction is well under way as can be seen in the gallery bellow. The new construction projects are expected to be completed and the temple fully restored by 2010.

  • Craftsmen assemble flooring planks in a temple hall
    Craftsmen assemble flooring planks in a temple hall
  • Craftsmen assemble flooring planks in a temple hall
    Craftsmen assemble flooring planks in a temple hall
  • Craftsmen building a tile capped adobe wall
    Craftsmen building a tile capped adobe wall
  • Craftsmen shows how special cut pieces that comprise the elements of the tile capped wall
    Craftsmen shows how special cut pieces that comprise the elements of the tile capped wall

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Naksansa.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Naksansa reconstruction.

References

  1. ^ a b c "The Temple of Compassion, Naksansa". Buddhapia.
  2. ^ a b c "낙산사" (in Korean). Empas / Britannica.
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