Seoksil of Bomunsa Temple


“Seoksil, or Stone Dharma Hall, enshrines the Triad Buddhas which emerged from the sea 1,300 years ago, one statue of Gwanseumbosal, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, and nineteen arhats.”

“I heard that Bomunsa Temple is one of the sacred Gwaneum sites. Is it because of these arhats in Seoksil that it came to be known as one of the renowned temples for this faith?”

“That’s correct! Seoksil, or Stone Dharma Hall, is a rare cave hall in South Korea which corresponds closely with the foundation of Bomunsa Temple. The significance of Seoksil was recognized by Incheon Metropolitan City and it was registered as Tangible Property No. 27!”

“Oh, I see! Then, how is Seoksil structured?”

“Seoksil, or Stone Dharma Hall, was created out of a natural cave; that is, a natural rock wall was used in its construction. On the rock wall, semi-circle pedestals and support beams were installed at intervals between these pillars, and tabernacles were created for each statue to be enshrined!”

“On the upper altar rest the Triad Buddhas, followed by Gwanseumbosal, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion and Arhats?”

“Yes, that is correct! Furthermore, Sinjung Taenghwa, a Buddhist painting depicting the guardian Devas of Buddha-dharma sits in the middle of the altar, behind which is enshrined the Buddha’s picture.”
“After seeing all of the arhats in Seoksil, I can see why Bomunsa is called an arhat site!”