Geumsansa Temple: Mireukjeon Hall

[Narration]
You might hear lots about Mireuk while touring Geumsan Temple. This time, we would like to explain what Mireuk and Mireuk religion is.

‘Mireuk’ is the old Chinese translation of ‘Maitreya’ in Sanskrit (ancient Indian language), meaning ‘merciful saint’ and ‘Buddha of the future’. Mireuk religion has been passed down through a number of Buddhist texts and it gives people hope for the future.

The Mireuk religion consists of two categories of beliefs: one is known as Mireuk Sang and the other is known as Mireuk Ha. The Mireuk Sang is the wish to be reborn at Dosol-cheon, the home of the Maitreya Buddha. To make the wish come true, one has to reject sin and practice good deeds. Mireuk Ha is the wish that the Maitreya would descend on this world and save troubled society. It is about the power of the Maitreya to purge one’s karma and sin, and his ability to lead andguide the masses to the world of enlightenment.

In conclusion, Mireuk religion is centered on the belief that diligent prayer and repentance of one’s wrongdoings, results in the opportunity to enter the idyllic world of Buddha and attain Buddhahood.

Mireuk religion was used politically during the ancient and middle ages in Korean history. The leader of late Goguryeo, Gungye, gave himself the title Mireuk and adopted Mireuk religion as a way of governing the kingdom. Later in the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, the Mireuk religion was often politically abused and used to deceive subjects, but on the other hand, it provided the only hope and spiritual refuge for those who suffered from hunger and oppression at that time.

This is the end of the Geumsan Temple tour. Thank you!