User:Waygugin/Hwaeomsa
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Hwaeomsa is a Buddhist temple in Gurye, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. Situated on the southern slope of Jirisan, Hwaeomsa is the head temple of the 19th district of the Jogye order. Although an absence of contemporary documentation makes the temple's earliest history uncertain, the growing consensus among scholars today is that Hwaeomsa was founded by the monk Yeongi in the mid-8th century, during the Unified Silla period. However, early histories of the temple such as the Hwaeomsa Chronicle place its origins as far back as 544 CE.
Waygugin/Hwaeomsa | |
Hangul | 화엄사 |
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Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Hwaeomsa |
McCune–Reischauer | Hwaŏmsa |
A large expansion by King Gyeongdeok precipitated Hwaeomsa's development into a key monastery of the Flower Garland school, enabling it to produce many of late Unified Silla's most eminent monks. Extensive improvements were also made by National Preceptor Doseon, a great Korean luminary of feng shui. The influence of Hwaeomsa waned under sectarian division caused by the Later Three Kingdoms period but it quickly recovered after the establishment of the Goryeo Dynasty, whose rulers renewed state financial support. Another important expansion was overseen by National Preceptor Uicheon in the 11th century.
Hwaeomsa continued to thrive throughout the early Joseon Dynasty despite the anti-Buddhist policies in force during that period. The temple was destroyed by invading Japanese troops during the Imjin War, including the main edifice of the temple, Jangnyukjeon Hall, which was well known for its stone walls engraved with the entire Flower Garland Sutra. Restoration of Hwaeomsa began in 1630 under the leadership of the preeminent Joseon monk, Byeogam Gaseong, who oversaw the construction of Daeungjeon Hall—the current main hall. More reconstruction was carried out by his many disciples, notably Gyepa Seongneung, who in 1703 completed Gakhwangjeon Hall, now the temple's largest building and National Treasure 67. During the Japanese occupation, Hwaeomsa became one of 31 head temples set up by colonial authorities.
The majority of Hwaeomsa's Buddhist sculpture date to the Unified Silla period. Unusually, there are four pagodas—including the unique three-story pagoda, a masterpiece of the non-typical style of stone pagoda which has been named National Treasure 35. The temple's stone lantern is the largest in South Korea, as well as National Treasure 12. Its paintings though, all date from the mid-17th century onwards. Hwaeomsa's gwaebul, a large painting used for outdoor ceremonies, is National Treasure 301. The temple also has eight Treasures, two Natural Monuments and two items of Local Tangible Heritage (Jeollanam-do). Today, Hwaeomsa is one of South Korea's most well-known Buddhist temples and draws large numbers of worshipers and tourists.