Sinheungsa

Historical accounts vary as to whether this ancient Zen (Seon) temple was first constructed by Jajang in 653, first called Hyangseongsa (Temple of Zen Buddhism), or in 637 following his return from Tang China. It burned to the ground in 699, was rebuilt in 710, burned again in 1645 and was rebuilt in 1648 at its present location by Uisang. This temple is believed to be the oldest Zen (Seon) temple in the world.[1]

Tongil Daebul closeup showing center forehead adornment, half closed eyes and slight smile

The Great Unification Buddha, a 14.6-meter/48-foot, 108 ton gilt-bronze Buddha statue, called "Tongil Daebul", sits atop a 4.3-meter/15-foot high pedestal, of the same material, making the total height 18.9-meter/62-foot, excluding the lightning rod and nimbus.[2]

The lotus pedestal is flanked with 16 delicately engraved panels and the forehead of Tongil Daebul is adorned with eight 8-centimeter/3-inch stones of amber, with a single piece of jade in the center that is 10-centimeter/4-inch in diameter.[2]

Tongil Daebul sits with legs crossed and half-closed eyes in meditation, his lips displaying a perceptible smile. A flowing robe with gentle folds, revealing the right shoulder, drapes the Buddha's robust torso. The hands of Tongil Daebul are positioned in the mudra symbolizing the "enlightened one."

Contained within the hollow statue are three pieces of the Buddha's sari, remains collected after his cremation, donated by the Myanmar government, and the Tripitaka, the original Buddhist scriptures.[2]

The project to construct this statue of the Buddha cost 3.8 billion won ($4.1 million), raised through the contributions for over a decade from over 300,000 small donations from anonymous donors visiting the temple.[2]

This statue represents the crucial wish of the Korean people for the reunification of the divided country.[3]

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  Bronze Buddha "Tongil Daebul" at Sinheungsa
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  Bojero (pavilion) built in 1770 on the grounds of Sinheungsa
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  Sinheungsa in Seoraksan National Park
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  Sinheungsa in Seoraksan National Park
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  Gate Guardian Deva Kings at Sinheungsa
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  Sinheungsa in Seoraksan National Park
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  Stupas at Sinheungsa
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  Hyeonsugyo

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• Korean Buddhist temples
• Korean Buddhism
• Religion in South Korea

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