Daeungjeon of Guryongsa


“After passing underneath Bogwangru Pavilion, one comes to a dharma hall in a large open space. This is Daeungjeon, or the Great Hero Hall of Guryongsa Temple.”

“Daeungjeon, with three columns in front and two on the sides, has been embellished with various designs, and an elaborate paljak-jibung, or half-hipped roof, has been placed on top, making the side of the roof triangular.”

“Upon the outer pillars of Daeungjeon the words, ‘Dalmahasa dapgangnae, dongtosanha chunchorok,’ are written, which explains that Bodhidharma walked past on the river! Perhaps, this is why the mountains and fields started to bud in green despite the ice still clinging to the land.”

“Sejoninha dosollae, nogwonwonjung baekwahyang,’ which asks why Shakyamuni Buddha has come to Dosolcheon, the Tushita Heaven! Perhaps, it was because the fragrance of flowers is in full bloom at the Deer Park in Varanasi!”


" Enshrined with Shakyamuni Buddha of the present, Daeungjeon is the main dharma hall of the temple and is therefore the most important. It is said that the word ‘Daeung’ came from the Lotus Sutra, which referred to Shakyamuni Buddha as a great hero.”

“Shakyamuni, the main Buddha, sits in the middle, alongside Manjusri Bodhisattva, or the Bodhisattva of Great Wisdom, and Samantabhadra, or the Bodhisattva of Great Vow and Action. Try to listen to the compassion in your mind and the sound of enlightenment in the hall.”