korean Temples

 

Most temples feature at least one Main Buddha Hall and a pagoda,

although layouts vary according to the environment, history, and prominence, ranging from the small and snug to large-scale compounds.

 

At most temples, one has to pass through several gates to reach the Main Buddha Hall, and each of these gates reflects Buddhist teachings.

 

일주문

The first gate at the entrance to the temple compound is the “One Pillar Gate” (“Iljumun”: built with only two posts, which appear as one from the side), representing the elimination of delusions and unity of mind necessary for entering the Pure Land of a temple.   

 

금강문/천왕문

Sometimes there is a second Vajra Guardian Gate (“Geumgangyeoksamun”) for protection of the temple and/or a Gate of the Celestial Guardians of the Four Directions (“Sacheonwangmun”) to protect the Dharma.

Many temples feature statues of the Vajra or Celestial guardians carved from wood.

 

불이문/해탈문

 The third gate usually is the Gate of Nonduality (“Purimun”), representing the Buddhist truth of the nonduality of everything. And sometimes there is a fourth Gate of Liberation (“Haetalmun”), representing the liberation that can be achieved by following the teachings of the Buddha.

 

탑
Usually, there is a pagoda in front of the Main Buddha Hall.

Originally a small stupa in India, this architectural work underwent transformation into a pagoda in China on the way to Korea.

The pagoda, usually located in the center of the compound, houses a relic of the Buddha, sutras, or other important documents and religious artifacts, and it represents the Buddha and the teachings.

 

A variety of building materials are used, ranging from wood to granite, marble and other stone, as well as mud. Though originally based on the Chinese model, Korean pagodas became distinctive in many ways as they developed over the centuries.

 

불전
There may be several other halls in the central compound in each direction; each one is named after the Buddha who is enshrined within.

 

대웅전

The Hall of the Great Hero (”Daeungjeon”) is dedicated to the historical Buddha Sakyamuni.

 

대적광전/ 극락전

The Hall of Great Tranquility and Light (“Daejeokgwangjeon”) enshrines the Cosmic Buddha Vairocana, and the Hall of Paradise (“Kungnakjeon”) is dedicated to the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, Amitabha.