Songgwangsa

“In the embrace of Jogyesan, a seat of the Sangha passed from teacher to teacher”

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Photo: Oadde · CC BY-SA 4.0

Scenes

A pavilion spanning the valley streamOadde · CC BY-SA 4.0

The main Buddha hall of Songgwangsa — Daeungbojeon, the main Buddha hallRepublic of Korea from Seoul, Republic o · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Hasadang hall of SonggwangsaPublic Domain

Red-pillared halls lined along the clear mountain stream — Halls set beside the sound of the streamOadde · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Uhwagak covered bridge resting on a stone arch over the stream — Uhwagak, the covered bridge, and the stone arch beneath itOadde · CC BY-SA 4.0

Meaning

Climbing the valley of Jogyesan, you come upon a bridge and pavilion spanning the stream, and amid the sound of water, halls and monks' quarters rest in stillness.

A great temple in the folds of Jogyesan, where the Goryeo master Jinul is said to have gathered the Samadhi and Prajna Community and renewed Korean Seon. Having raised many national preceptors since, it is honored as the Sangha Jewel temple, forming Korea's Three Jewel temples together with Tongdosa (Buddha) and Haeinsa (Dharma).

Field notes

Location: Suncheon · Jogyesan · N35.0° · E127.3°
Best time: Early morning, as mist rises off the water.
Getting there: From Suncheon, enter the foothills of Jogyesan.
Etiquette: Quiet is appreciated in spaces of practice and worship.

Sources

· 국가유산청(문화재청)
· 한국민족문화대백과사전

Wikipedia

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