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Sun, September 24, 2023 | 16:22
Palsang-do: eight scenes of Buddhas life
Most people are interested in learning more about the life stories of the people they admire. That is the reason why the eight phases of the Buddha's life from his birth to his death can be found in the ``Palsang-jeon (Eight Pictures Hall),’’ or on the outside walls of the Main Hall of Buddhist Temples.
Korea is a model for inter-faith harmony
The 20th century was the bloodiest century in human history. It is a shame that many have killed or been killed due to religious strife. Samuel P. Huntington, a famous political scientist, insisted that the 'Clash of Civilization' might bring more disasters in the 21st century, especially from religious conflicts.
Gasa: letting go of our possessions
``Gasa’’ is a translateration of a Sanskrit term meaning monk's robe; the monk's or nun's robe is made from scraps of material. The Sanskrit term denotes decayed, impure (in color), dyed, not of primary color, so as to distinguish it from the normal white dress of the people. A gasa is an official robe, which monks wear like a mantle on top of the ``jangsam,’’ the outer garme...
Wooden fish gongs and wind chimes: Symbols of Buddhist cultivation
Anyone interested in the temple decorations of Korean temples will discover painted and sculpted fish all around the main halls _ on the pillars, brackets, ceiling and walls. It is also easy to find wooden fish gongs and wind chimes.
Lotus: flower of an immaculate Buddhist world
The lotus is a plant of the water lily family. It is one of the most common motifs in Buddhist temples. Indeed, depictions of the flowers are found almost everywhere, from paintings and
Ten Ox-herding Pictures: Seeking the trace of original mind, buddhahood
The Ten Ox-herding Pictures describe the path to enlightenment and self-development in the Seon tradition. You can see these pictures adorning the walls of Seon monasteries in China and Korea. These paintings depict a deep metaphor for Seon practice. Seon is a school of Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation as the key to awakening one’s true mind, Buddha-nature, and uncovering one’s innate wisdom and compassion.
Master Jinul: Founder of Jogye Order
Master Jinul (1158-1210) of the Goryeo Kingdom -- together with Master Wonhyo of the Silla Kingdom -- is one of the two most important figures in the history of Korean Buddhism.
Master Hyujeong, Protector of the Nation
Master Hyujeong (1520-1604) is commonly known as Seosan Daesa (the Great Master of the Western Mountain). He is a central figure of Joseon Kingdom Buddhism because of his patriotic contribution to the defense of his motherland during his role as leader of the monks' militia during the Japanese invasion of Korea.
Why Wonhyo Now?
Wonhyo was a Great Master of the Silla Kingdom period (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) and one of the most creative thinkers in the history of Korean Buddhism. He chose the name Wonhyo indicating his desire to be a light in Buddhism, as the term was used locally to mean ``dawn.''
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