The Origin of Bubheungsa


“Bubheungsa of Sajasan Mountain is known as a Jeokmyeol Bogung, as it enshrines the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha. It was Precept Master Jajang who delivered the relics which led to Bubheungsa becoming a Jeokmyeol Bogung!”

“I see! Then, how did Precept Master Jajang come to enshrine the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha at Bubheungsa?”

“According to the Samgukyusa, or Reminiscence of Three Kingdoms, Precept Master Jajang travelled to Mount Wutai in China in 636, the 5th year of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom, where he met Manjusri Bodhisattva…

“Oh, Manjusri Bodhisattva, the one with great wisdom. You mean that he actually met the bodhisattva?”

“Isn’t that the power of Buddha’s teaching? After offering a sincere prayer in front of the statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva on Mount Wutai in China, Precept Master Jajang was able to meet the Bodhisattva. The result of this was that in 643, he brought the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with the buddha’s only robe, from the Tang Dynasty to the Silla Kingdom in the 12th year of Queen Seondeok!”


“I see, so that’s how the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha came to be enshrined at Bubheungsa!”

“That’s right! Though the temple was called Heungnyeongsa at that time!”

“Is it true that Great Master Jinghyo put a lot of effort into building Bubheungsa in addition to Precept Master Jajang?”

“Indeed! As the National Teacher during the Unified Silla period, Great Master Jinghyo, a monk appointed by the country, greatly assisted in reviving Bubheungsa Temple!”

“It seems like Bubheungsa is more than just Bubheungsa! It's an homage to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.”