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Poroe – The Dragon that Adorns the Top of the Temple Bell: 포뢰
Introduction One of the most common things that you’ll see at a Korean Buddhist temple outside a pagoda or temple shrine hall is the Brahma Bell, which is a large, decorative bronze bell. The Brahma Bell, which is known as a “Beomjong – 범종” in Korean, is well-crafted and is usually several hundred years old. Typically, the exterior walls of the bell are adorned with various Buddhist figures like Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities), Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas. Joining these bell reliefs is a decorative metal hook that holds the bell to the rafter’s of the bell pavilion. The decorative metal hook that crowns the top of the bell is designed like…
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Banya Yongseon-do – The Dragon Ship of Wisdom: 반야 용선도
The Purpose of the Dragon Ship of Wisdom One of the more distinctive paintings that you’ll find at a Korean Buddhist temple is the Banya Yongseon-do, or “The Dragon Ship of Wisdom Mural” in English. In this painting, you’ll see a dragon-shaped boat with passengers on it and a pair of Bodhisattvas looking like they’re the captain of this symbolic ship. So what exactly is this painting meant to symbolize? How does it relate to Korean Buddhism? And who exactly are the two Bodhisattvas and passengers onboard this ship? The purpose of the Dragon Ship of Wisdom is to help ferry devotees of Buddhism across Samsara (the endless cycle of…
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Sibiji-shin – The Twelve Spirit Generals: 십이지신
Introduction One of the more common things to greet you at a Korean Buddhist temple, in one form or another, are the twelve Zodiac animals; which, in Buddhism, they’re known as The Twelve Spirit Generals. In Korean, they’re known as the Sibiji-shin – 십이지신. And they come in many forms at a Korean Buddhist temple. They can appear as shrine hall paintings, statues, or even adorning pagodas. However, the way that they appear at a Korean Buddhist temple are special to Korean Buddhism. So what are they? What do the Twelve Spirit Generals look like? And why are they located at Korean Buddhist temples? The Twelve Spirit Generals While the…
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The Manja – The Swastika: 만자
Introduction I’m sure you’ve seen the Manja – 만자 several times when you’ve visited a Korean Buddhist temple. In the West, this symbol is known as a swastika, and it has a more ominous meaning to it, unfortunately. It’s now come to be synonymous with Nazism, Hitler, and the Third Reich. However, while the Nazi use of the swastika stands for racism and hatred, the Buddhist idea of the swastika is meant to symbolize good fortune and auspiciousness. It’s a head-spinning world of difference. So let’s take a closer look at the history of the swastika, what it symbolizes, and why you can find it at a Korean Buddhist temple.…
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Gwimyeon – The Monster Mask: 귀면
Introduction If you look close enough at temple paintings, you’ll probably notice a menacingly grotesque face staring back at you. To the uninitiated eye these faces appear to be nothing more than ornamental. However, these paintings do in fact have a meaning. So what are their meaning? What do they look like? And why are they are adorning Korean Buddhist temples? Gwimyeon Design The name of these ornamental designs that take up residence in and around temple shrine halls are known as Gwimyeon, or “Monster Masks” in English. These ornamental Monster Masks have noses with flaring nostrils. They can also have whiskers, horns, and sharp teeth. They have a broad,…
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Yong – Dragons: 용
Introduction One of the most common things you’ll find at a Korean Buddhist temple is a dragon. You can find them in paintings, statues, adornments, latticework around shrine halls and even under bridges. So why do you find so many dragons at a Korean Buddhist temple? History of the Korean Dragon As Buddhism started to migrate eastward from India, it started to take on local influences and forms. One great example of this can be seen when Buddhism started to spread throughout China during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). When Buddhism entered into China, the dragon first came as a Naga. Naga, as in Hinduism, takes the…
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The Sermon on Vulture Peak Painting – Yeongsan Hoesang-do: 영산 회상도
The Sermon on Vulture Peak Painting History The English name for the Yeongsan Hoesang-do is The Sermon on Vulture Peak Painting. It’s a highly symbolic painting that most people see at a Korean Buddhist temple, but they simply don’t understand its meaning. So what does the Vulture Peak painting look like? And what is its meaning? During the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) was the most popular Buddha throughout the Korean peninsula. However, during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) became the most popular main altar Buddha. And this popularity has continued to the present day. The most common triad to be…
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Dancheong – Temple Colours: 단청
Dancheong Introduction One of the most recognizable features that distinguishes Korean Buddhist temples from a Japanese or Chinese Buddhist temple are the elaborate colours and motifs. Korean Buddhist temples are decoratively painted in a myriad of colours that include reds, blues, greens, yellows, blacks, and whites. So why exactly are they adorning Korean Buddhist shrine halls, and what do they all mean? History of Dancheong The oldest surviving example of dancheong in Korea dates back to murals found in the tombs of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.). The dancheong design inside this tomb portrays the life of the tomb’s occupant. It also conveys wishes for their continued…
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Podae-Hwasang – The Hempen Bag: 포대화상
The History of Podae-Hwasang Until recently, I had no idea that Podae-hwasang even existed in Buddhism. It was only after researching him a bit more that I found out who the easily misidentified jovial figure was. Sometimes, he can be confused for the Buddha, but he’s in fact Podae-hwasang. Podae-hwasang, who is better known as Budai or Pu-Tai in Chinese, is a disguised monk. Podae-hwasang is believed to be an incarnation of Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). The name Budai, in Chinese, means “hempen sack” (more on that later). Podae-hwasang first appeared in 10th century Chinese folktales. It’s believed that Podae-hwasang was a monk from Huyang, China. He was born in Myeongju,…
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Shinjung Taenghwa & Dongjin-bosal – The Guardian Mural & The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings: 신중탱화 & 동진보살
Introduction The Shinjung Taenghwa is one of the most popular murals that you’ll find at a Korean Buddhist temple. In English, the Shinjung Taenghwa means “Altar Painting of Guardian Deities,” or the “Guardian Mural” for short. This mural is highly intricate. So what exactly does a Shinjung Taenghwa look like? Where can you find it? Whose in it? And what does it all mean? The Placement of Shinjung Taenghwa Inside the Daeung-jeon Hall at a Korean Buddhist temple, you’ll find a Shinjung Taenghwa on the right side of the main hall. This side of the wall is called the middle altar within a division of three altars inside the Daeung-jeon…