Korea, 29 October 2010, Day 2, Sinheungsa Temple

Sinheungsa, located in Seoraksan National Park, is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It may have been constructed in 637 AD., or 653 AD., and had been burned and rebuilt twice.  It is believed to be the oldest Zen (Seon) temple in the world.

While waiting our turn for the cable car, we decided to take a stroll to the temple.

Someone got stuck between two wheelchairs and had to be hauled out after this picture was taken.:D

We've got company!

The One-Pillar Gate: entrance to Sinheungsa Temple.  This is where one is supposed to leave behind all worldly desires prior to entering the temple. One wonders why it is called the One-Pillar Gate when it has more than one pillar.

Tongil Daebul, the Great Unification Buddha, is a gilt-bronze Buddha statue, measuring 14.6m in height, and weighing 108 tons.  It sits atop a 4.3m high lotus pedestal with 16 engraved petals. The forehead of the statue is adorned with eight amber stones, surrounding a piece of jade. Contained within the hollow statue are three pieces of the Buddha's sari, some of his cremated remains, and the Tripitaka, the original Buddhist scriptures.

Tongil Daebul represents the wish of the Koreans for the reunification of the two Koreas.



Just beyond the statue, the Hyeonsugyo: a newly built bridge for crossing the ravine.



Beyond the Hyeonsugyo: a beautiful long stone wall which leads to the Gate of the four heavenly kings (Cheonwang) guarding the entrance to the temple.  Imagine centuries back, walking along the stone wall and, amidst such beautiful surroundings, engaging in a discourse with the monks on issues of life and eternity.

View from the Gate of the four heavenly kings: rock formation resembling that of the head of a bear ...err… not us...

here's an upsized view of the rock formation :)