7. Buseok of Buseoksa Temple
[Woman]
Buseoksa Temple was built by the Buddhist monk Uisang in 676, the 16th year of King Munmu of Silla, under the royal order of the king. Buseoksa Temple was a place where Uisang gave the great teachings of Avatamsaka, and this gave rise to the names of Buseokjonja for Uisang and the Buseokjong Sect for Avatamsaka that he created.
[Man]
In order to study Buddhism, Uisang was referring himself as a guest to a devotee's house during his study in Tang China. There was a beautiful woman called Seonmyo in the house. Seonmyo grew affectionate towards him during his stay, and Uisang was also moved by Seonmyo's appeal. However, as Uisang could not accept her heart due to his identity as a Buddhist monk, he turned her down every time. Uisang went to Chang'an, the capital of Tang China, to visit Zhixiang temple, the temple representing the Avatamsaka Sect, and studied Buddhism under the guidance of Jieom, the second spiritual patriarch of the Avatamsaka Sect in China. Ten years later, as the relationship between Tang China and Silla deteriorated, Uisang was to return to Silla. Before his departure, he stopped by the house of Seonmyo to say goodbye, but he could not see her as she was away. Upon hearing this news, Seonmyo threw herself into the Yellow Sea with a prayer.
[Seonmyo]
“Uisang. I heard that you came to visit. I will be reborn as a dragon to protect you. By any means necessary, I wish to stay by your side.”
[Man]
After his return to Silla, Uisang was looking for a site to build a temple under the royal order. When he arrived at Bonghwangsan Mountain in Yeongju, where the site of Buseoksa Temple is located, he examined its topography. There were already hundreds of pagans occupying the site.
[Pagan]
“What do you think you're doing here? Do you have a death wish?”
[Uisang]
"This site will serve to promote the temple for the Avatamsaka Sect. Please, allow me build a temple here."
[Pagan]
"We got here first! You can't just show up and take our place! Is that what you say after popping up out of nowhere? Just listen to yourself!”
[Uisang]
"How am I supposed to deal with this? There's no alternative to this site."
"I won’t leave. Please give up this site!”
[Pagan]
"Today will be your last day to see the sunlight! Come on, everyone!”
[Pagans]
"Yes, sir!"
[Pagan 2]
“Look... look over there. Boss. There is a dragon. A dragon has come!”
[Seonmyo (Dragon)]
“If you touch so much as a hair on his head, it will be the end of you!”
[Pagan 2]
"Boss, look over there. A huge rock is moving!!!!!”
[Pagan]
"I will yield this site, so please show us mercy and let us live. Please!!”
[Man]
The group of pagans were frightened and fled, and Uisang was able to use the site to build a temple.
[Seonmyo]
“Dear Uisang. I will be the guardian of this temple to protect you and the temple."
[Man]
Seonmyo then turned into a stone dragon and was placed on the site of Muryangsujeon Hall to be the guardian of Buseoksa Temple. A large rock on the west side of Muryangsujeon Hall is called the Floating Rock.
Buseok of Buseoksa Temple
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