Bell-shaped Stupa and Stele of Buddhist Monk Boje of Silleuksa Temple

The vital energy of the main range of Odaesan Mountain is rising here in Bongmisan Mountain from Yeogang River through Yeonbangsan, Gongjaksan, Oeumsan, and Godalsan Mountains! This place is considered the best among the surrounding area.

The current location of the Bell-shaped Stupa and the Stele of Buddhist Monk Boje of Silleuksa Temple is where Master Muhak, an expert in feng shui, believed it was suitable to enshrine his teacher, Zen Master Naong. The name “Bojejonja” was the posthumous title given to Zen Master Naong by King Gongmin, the 33rd ruler of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Bell-shaped Stupa of Buddhist Monk Boje was built in 1379, three years after Zen Master Naong reached Nirvana. It was called “Seokjong” or stone stupa because it was shaped like a bell made of stone, and a stupa containing the relics of Zen Master Naong was enshrined in the middle.

Facing the Namhangang River, Silleuksa Temple and its stone stupa stands tall. When the moon rises, it will tilt and submerge in its river of shadows, with the reflections of azure water, lanterns, and incense smoke blending and fading into it. The solidity of the stone bell not only shares the beginning and end of Silleuksa Temple, but also the river and the water. The epitaph ‘We will be together forever!’ on the Bojejonjaseokjong stele is written by Goryeo scholar Mogeun Lee Saek.

Zen Master Naong was a great revolutionary who compiled Korean Zen Buddhism and advocated practical rebirth relief for the persecuted people. Standing in front of the Bell-shaped Stupa and Stele of Buddhist Monk Boje at Silleuksa Temple, you can feel the presence of Zen Master Naong, whose teachings of truth and wisdom continue to inspire many to this day.