Difference between revisions of "Bulguksa" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Bulguksa''' is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] temple in the [[North Gyeongsang]] province in [[South Korea]]. It is home to seven [[National treasures of South Korea]], including [[Dabotap]] and [[Seokgatap]] stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statutes of Buddha. The temple is classified as ''Historic and Scenic Site No. 1'' by the South Korean government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic and Scenic Sites 1; Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju |url=http://www.cha.go.kr/english/search_plaza/ECulresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=14,00010000,37 |publisher=Cultural Heritage Administration}}</ref> In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage List]] together with the [[Seokguram]] Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east.
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'''Bulguksa''' is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] temple in the North Gyeongsang province in [[South Korea]]. It is home to seven [[National treasures of South Korea]], including Dabotap and [[Seokgatap]] stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statutes of Buddha. The temple is classified as ''Historic and Scenic Site No. 1'' by the South Korean government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic and Scenic Sites 1; Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju |url=http://www.cha.go.kr/english/search_plaza/ECulresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=14,00010000,37 |publisher=Cultural Heritage Administration}}</ref> In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the [[UNESCO]] World Heritage List together with the [[Seokguram]] Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east.
  
The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the [[Silla]] kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the [[Jogye Order]] of [[Korean Buddhism]].
+
The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the [[Silla]] kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of [[Korean Buddhism]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
[[Image:Mikeswe2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|On-site map of Bulguksa.]]
 
[[Image:Mikeswe2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|On-site map of Bulguksa.]]
The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under [[Beopheung of Silla|King Beopheung]] in 528. The [[Samguk Yusa]] records that the current temple was constructed under [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]] in 751, begun by Prime Minister [[Gim Daeseong]] to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (''Temple of the Buddha Land'').
+
The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under Beopheung of Silla|King Beopheung in 528. The [[Samguk Yusa]] records that the current temple was constructed under [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]] in 751, begun by Prime Minister Gim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (''Temple of the Buddha Land'').
  
 
The temple was renovated during the [[Goryeo]] Dynasty and the early [[Joseon Dynasty]]. During the [[Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea|Japanese invasions]] between 1592 and 1598, the wooden buildings were burned to the ground. After 1604, reconstruction and expansion of Bulguksa started, followed by about 40 renovations until 1805. During the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese occupation]] of 1910-1945, the Japanese conducted a restoration, but there are no records of the work done, and known treasures disappeared during this time.
 
The temple was renovated during the [[Goryeo]] Dynasty and the early [[Joseon Dynasty]]. During the [[Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea|Japanese invasions]] between 1592 and 1598, the wooden buildings were burned to the ground. After 1604, reconstruction and expansion of Bulguksa started, followed by about 40 renovations until 1805. During the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese occupation]] of 1910-1945, the Japanese conducted a restoration, but there are no records of the work done, and known treasures disappeared during this time.
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==Structure==
 
==Structure==
 
[[Image:Bulguksa-map.svg|300px|thumb|Map of the main complex]]
 
[[Image:Bulguksa-map.svg|300px|thumb|Map of the main complex]]
The temple is located on the slopes of [[Tohamsan]], in Jinheon-dong, [[Gyeongju]].
+
The temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan, in Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju.
  
 
The entrance to the temple, ''Sokgyemun'', has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge ([[National treasures of South Korea|National Treasure No. 23]]) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6.3&nbsp;meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4&nbsp;meters and has 16 steps.  The stairway leads to ''Jahamun'' (Mauve Mist Gate).
 
The entrance to the temple, ''Sokgyemun'', has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge ([[National treasures of South Korea|National Treasure No. 23]]) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6.3&nbsp;meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4&nbsp;meters and has 16 steps.  The stairway leads to ''Jahamun'' (Mauve Mist Gate).
  
There are two [[pagoda]]s on the temple site, which is unusual.  The three-story [[Seokgatap]] ([[Sakyamuni]] Pagoda) which stands at 8.2&nbsp;meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing. [[Seokgatap]] is over 13 centuries old. [[Dabotap]] (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10.4&nbsp;meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures [[Buddha]] mentioned in the [[Lotus Sutra]]. In contrast to [[Seokgatap]], [[Dabotap]] is known for its highly ornate structure. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 [[South Korean won|won]] coin. ''Dabotap'' and ''Seokgatap'' are [[National treasures of South Korea|Korean National Treasures]] nos. 20 and 21, respectively.
+
There are two pagodas on the temple site, which is unusual.  The three-story [[Seokgatap]] ([[Sakyamuni]] Pagoda) which stands at 8.2&nbsp;meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing. [[Seokgatap]] is over 13 centuries old. [[Dabotap]] (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10.4&nbsp;meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures [[Buddha]] mentioned in the [[Lotus Sutra]]. In contrast to [[Seokgatap]], [[Dabotap]] is known for its highly ornate structure. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 [[South Korean won|won]] coin. ''Dabotap'' and ''Seokgatap'' are National treasures of South Korea|Korean National Treasures nos. 20 and 21, respectively.
  
 
The terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a [[Shakyamuni]] Buddha ''Lotus Sutra'', the celestial with [[Amitabha]] Buddha ''Avatamska Sutra''. The large temple site is centred around two courts. One of the courts is centred on ''Daeungjeon'', the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on ''Geuknakjeon'', the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge ''Chilbogyo'' is housed.
 
The terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a [[Shakyamuni]] Buddha ''Lotus Sutra'', the celestial with [[Amitabha]] Buddha ''Avatamska Sutra''. The large temple site is centred around two courts. One of the courts is centred on ''Daeungjeon'', the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on ''Geuknakjeon'', the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge ''Chilbogyo'' is housed.
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===National Treasures No.20 and 21===
 
===National Treasures No.20 and 21===
 
{{main|Dabotap}}  {{main|Seokgatap}}
 
{{main|Dabotap}}  {{main|Seokgatap}}
The two famous stone pagodas, [[Dabotap]] and [[Seokgatap]] reside in the main courtyard of the Bulguksa Temple complex.  They are, respectively, the twentieth and twenty-first [[national treasures of Korea]] and were designated on [[December 20]], [[1962]].
+
The two famous stone pagodas, [[Dabotap]] and [[Seokgatap]] reside in the main courtyard of the Bulguksa Temple complex.  They are, respectively, the twentieth and twenty-first [[national treasures of Korea]] and were designated on December 20, 1962.
  
 
===National Treasure No.22===
 
===National Treasure No.22===
 
[[Image:Bifyu 3.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges are in the foreground while the Lotus Flower and Seven Treasures Bridges are in the background.]]
 
[[Image:Bifyu 3.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges are in the foreground while the Lotus Flower and Seven Treasures Bridges are in the background.]]
The ''Yeonhwagyo'' (Lotus Flower Bridge, 연화교) and ''Chilbogyo'' (Seven Treasures Bridge, 칠보교) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa.<ref name=bulguksa2>{{cite web |title=Bulguk-sa Temple - Treasures |url=http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa2.htm}}</ref> This bridge was designated as the 22nd national treasure on [[December 20]], [[1962]]. The bridge lead to ''Anyangmun'' (Peace Enhancing Gate, 안양문) leading to ''Geuknakjeon'' (the Hall of the Pure Land). This pair were built at the same time as their brother bridges, National Treasure No.23.
+
The ''Yeonhwagyo'' (Lotus Flower Bridge, 연화교) and ''Chilbogyo'' (Seven Treasures Bridge, 칠보교) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa.<ref name=bulguksa2>{{cite web |title=Bulguk-sa Temple - Treasures |url=http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa2.htm}}</ref> This bridge was designated as the 22nd national treasure on December 20, 1962. The bridge lead to ''Anyangmun'' (Peace Enhancing Gate, 안양문) leading to ''Geuknakjeon'' (the Hall of the Pure Land). This pair were built at the same time as their brother bridges, National Treasure No.23.
  
 
These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller.  The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims. Today, visitors are restricted from walking on the bridge.
 
These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller.  The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims. Today, visitors are restricted from walking on the bridge.
  
 
===National Treasure No.23===
 
===National Treasure No.23===
The ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교) and ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교) Bridges of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple.<ref name=bulguksa2/> The bridges were probably built in [[750]]&nbsp;CE during the reign of [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]]. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. They were designated as the 23rd national treasure on [[December 20]], [[1962]].
+
The ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교) and ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교) Bridges of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple.<ref name=bulguksa2/> The bridges were probably built in [[750]]&nbsp;CE during the reign of [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]]. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. They were designated as the 23rd national treasure on December 20, 1962.
  
 
The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the lower span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the upper part. The bridges lead to the ''Jahamun'' (Golden Purple Gate, 자하문) which leads to [[Sakyamuni]] Hall. There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of [[Buddhism]]. The lower Blue Cloud Bridge has seventeen steps while the upper White Cloud Bridge has sixteen. The large arch underneath the stairwell testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges and the remains of a pond and once flowed underneath the bridge.
 
The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the lower span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the upper part. The bridges lead to the ''Jahamun'' (Golden Purple Gate, 자하문) which leads to [[Sakyamuni]] Hall. There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of [[Buddhism]]. The lower Blue Cloud Bridge has seventeen steps while the upper White Cloud Bridge has sixteen. The large arch underneath the stairwell testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges and the remains of a pond and once flowed underneath the bridge.
Line 59: Line 59:
 
===National Treasure No.26===
 
===National Treasure No.26===
 
[[Image:Mikeswe3.jpg|thumb|right|120px|National treasure No. 26]]
 
[[Image:Mikeswe3.jpg|thumb|right|120px|National treasure No. 26]]
Natioanl Treasure No.26 (Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang), designated on [[December 20]], [[1962]], is a seated gilt-bronze [[Vairocana]] Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple.
+
Natioanl Treasure No.26 (Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang), designated on December 20, 1962, is a seated gilt-bronze [[Vairocana]] Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple.
  
 
The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the ''Birojeon''. It is 1.77&nbsp;meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft. The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, that often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment. The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century CE due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.
 
The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the ''Birojeon''. It is 1.77&nbsp;meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft. The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, that often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment. The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century CE due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.
  
 
===National Treasure No.27===
 
===National Treasure No.27===
The seated gilt-bronze [[Amitabha]] Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No.27. (Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang) and was designated on [[December 20]], [[1962]].
+
The seated gilt-bronze [[Amitabha]] Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No.27. (Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang) and was designated on December 20, 1962.
  
 
The Amitabha Buddha statute is 1.66&nbsp;meters in height and enshrined in ''Geuknakjeon''. This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late eighth or early part of the ninth century and it shares the style of National Treasure No.26. The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together.  The face has a distinctively aquiline nose. The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability. The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard. The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap. The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.
 
The Amitabha Buddha statute is 1.66&nbsp;meters in height and enshrined in ''Geuknakjeon''. This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late eighth or early part of the ninth century and it shares the style of National Treasure No.26. The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together.  The face has a distinctively aquiline nose. The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability. The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard. The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap. The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.

Revision as of 14:29, 23 March 2007

Bulguksa
Temple-at-gyeongju.jpg
Korean name
Hangul 불국사
Hanja 佛國寺
Revised Romanization Bulguksa
McCune-Reischauer Pulguksa


Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party Flag of South Korea (bordered).svg Republic of Korea
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iv
Reference 736
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1995  (19th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple in the North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statutes of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government.[1] In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Seokguram Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east.

The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

History

File:Mikeswe2.jpg
On-site map of Bulguksa.

The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under Beopheung of Silla|King Beopheung in 528. The Samguk Yusa records that the current temple was constructed under King Gyeongdeok in 751, begun by Prime Minister Gim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land).

The temple was renovated during the Goryeo Dynasty and the early Joseon Dynasty. During the Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598, the wooden buildings were burned to the ground. After 1604, reconstruction and expansion of Bulguksa started, followed by about 40 renovations until 1805. During the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the Japanese conducted a restoration, but there are no records of the work done, and known treasures disappeared during this time.

After World War II and the Korean War, a partial restoration was conducted in 1966. Upon an extensive archeological investigation, major restoration was conducted between 1969 and 1973 by the order of President Park Chung Hee, bringing Bulguksa to its current form. The famous stone structures are preserved from the original Silla construction.

Structure

Map of the main complex

The temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan, in Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju.

The entrance to the temple, Sokgyemun, has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge (National Treasure No. 23) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6.3 meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4 meters and has 16 steps. The stairway leads to Jahamun (Mauve Mist Gate).

There are two pagodas on the temple site, which is unusual. The three-story Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda) which stands at 8.2 meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing. Seokgatap is over 13 centuries old. Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10.4 meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures Buddha mentioned in the Lotus Sutra. In contrast to Seokgatap, Dabotap is known for its highly ornate structure. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 won coin. Dabotap and Seokgatap are National treasures of South Korea|Korean National Treasures nos. 20 and 21, respectively.

The terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a Shakyamuni Buddha Lotus Sutra, the celestial with Amitabha Buddha Avatamska Sutra. The large temple site is centred around two courts. One of the courts is centred on Daeungjeon, the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on Geuknakjeon, the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge Chilbogyo is housed.

Daeungjeon (대웅전), the Hall of Great Enlightenment, is the main hall.[2] Dabotap and Seokgatap stand before this hall. The hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha and was built in 681 CE.[2] Behind the main hall stands Museoljeon (무설전), the Hall of No Words.[2] This hall gets its name from the belief that Buddha's teachings could not be taught by mere words alone. It is one of the oldest buildings in the complex and was probably built in 670 CE.[2] The Gwaneumjeon (Avalokitesvara's Shrine, 관음전) houses an image of the Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassion, and stands at the highest point of the complex.[2] The Birojeon (Vairocana Buddha Hall, 비로전), which sits below the Gwaneumjeon, houses national treasure No.26 while the Geuknakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss, 극락전), standing near the main compound, houses the gilt-bronze buddha that is the national treasure No.27.[2]

Official treasures at Bulguksa

National Treasures No.20 and 21

The two famous stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap reside in the main courtyard of the Bulguksa Temple complex. They are, respectively, the twentieth and twenty-first national treasures of Korea and were designated on December 20, 1962.

National Treasure No.22

The Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges are in the foreground while the Lotus Flower and Seven Treasures Bridges are in the background.

The Yeonhwagyo (Lotus Flower Bridge, 연화교) and Chilbogyo (Seven Treasures Bridge, 칠보교) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa.[3] This bridge was designated as the 22nd national treasure on December 20, 1962. The bridge lead to Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate, 안양문) leading to Geuknakjeon (the Hall of the Pure Land). This pair were built at the same time as their brother bridges, National Treasure No.23.

These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller. The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims. Today, visitors are restricted from walking on the bridge.

National Treasure No.23

The Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교) Bridges of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple.[3] The bridges were probably built in 750 CE during the reign of King Gyeongdeok. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. They were designated as the 23rd national treasure on December 20, 1962.

The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the lower span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the upper part. The bridges lead to the Jahamun (Golden Purple Gate, 자하문) which leads to Sakyamuni Hall. There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of Buddhism. The lower Blue Cloud Bridge has seventeen steps while the upper White Cloud Bridge has sixteen. The large arch underneath the stairwell testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges and the remains of a pond and once flowed underneath the bridge.

National Treasure No.26

National treasure No. 26

Natioanl Treasure No.26 (Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang), designated on December 20, 1962, is a seated gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple.

The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the Birojeon. It is 1.77 meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft. The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, that often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment. The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century CE due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.

National Treasure No.27

The seated gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No.27. (Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang) and was designated on December 20, 1962.

The Amitabha Buddha statute is 1.66 meters in height and enshrined in Geuknakjeon. This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late eighth or early part of the ninth century and it shares the style of National Treasure No.26. The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together. The face has a distinctively aquiline nose. The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability. The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard. The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap. The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.

File:Rinux4.jpg
Treasure No. 61

Treasure No.61

This sarira pagoda (사리탑), or stupa, looks like a stone lantern. It stands 2.1 meters tall and is located at the left side of the front garden of Birojeon. The artifact was at one point taken to Japan in 1906 but was eventually returned. It is from the Goryeo Dynasty and shows the influence of Silla Dynasty art.

A sarira is a container for the relics or remains of famous priests or royalty. It is said that this sarira contained the remains of eight priests or a queen. The three main features of the piece are the foundation stone, the main body, and the ornamental top. The foundation is an octagonal stone decorated with carvings. Atop this foundation is a circular stone incised with louts motifs. The pillar supports of the main pody are carved with a cloud motif while the main pody is cylindrical and has four bas-reliefs of Buddha and bodhisattvas and are accompanied by flower motifs. The top of the pagoda has twelve sides which meet into a hexagonal shape.

Gallery

See also

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References
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External links

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Coordinates: 35°46′N 129°20′E

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