Iljumun, the One Pillar Gate, of Bongeunsa

[Curator]

Bongeunsa looks different from other temples, starting with its unique Iljumun or “The One Pillar Gate.” In general, the names of a mountain and a temple are indicated on a hanging board. However, on the hanging board of the first gate, “Jinyeomun” is written, which means the Gate of Truth. Do you know why it says “Jinyeomun” on the hanging board at Bongeunsa? Look, do you see it? This One Pillar Gate means that we should try to awaken to the truth of all things and walk on the path of absolute wisdom.

[Visitor]

So, why did they use Jinyeomun instead of Iljumun?

[Curator]

The reason it is called Jinyeomun, the Gate of Truth, is that this used to be a national examination center for monks during the Joseon Dynasty period. Queen Munjeong (1502-1565), the wife of the 11th King Jungjong (1506-1544), ordered the enlargement of Bongeunsa Temple, and Master Taego Bou (普雨, 1301-1382) was commanded to create a national exam for monks. The hanging board in Bongeunsa was able to bear the name of Jinyeomun thanks to Queen Munjeong, its strong sponsor at a time when the government policy of discouraging Buddhism had been widely implemented. This shows a bit of Buddhist history during the Joseon Dynasty period. Inside the Gate of Truth, the four heavenly guardians protect the temple, with two on each side. These guardians are a bit shorter than other heavenly guardians, even though they are standing statues. Also, they are quite unique, as the statues don’t have any hair flowing down their shoulders or earrings, which are traditionally considered signs of fire power.

Typically, armored guardians hold various articles according to their characters, and can sometimes be seen stepping on demons, crushing them underneath in a terrifying way. However, the four heavenly guardians of Bongeunsa receive all visitors with gentle but dignified smiles rather than appearing as frightening protectors of the temple.

[Visitor]

Like a typical temple a large city, it looks very clean and modern. Oh, I can see many international visitors, too.