Stele of Buddhist Monk Jijeung at Bongamsa Temple, Mungyeong

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.315

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

924년

Designated year

2010

Location

문경시, 경상북도— 경북 문경시 가은읍 원북길 313, 봉암사 (원북리)

Coordinates

36.700603, 128.005561

This stele was erected in honor of a great Buddhist monk named Jijeung (also known as State Preceptor Doheon). The size of the monument and the carving technique are representative of the late Unified Silla Period. The stele summarized the history of Buddhism during the Silla Period, dividing it into three periods. It also contains the religious pedigree started by Jijeung. The epitaph of the stele was composed by Choe Chi-won, one of the greatest scholars and writers of that time. This stele is said to be one of the four most valuable monuments in the mountains whose epitaphs were composed by Choe Chi-won; the other three are: Daesungboksabi in Chowolsan Mountain, Gyeongju; Stele for Buddhist Monk Nanghye at the Seongjusa Temple Site, Boryeong (National Treasure No. 8), and; Stele for Master Jingam at Ssanggyesa Temple, Hadong (National Treasure No. 47). The stele says when it was erected, and the epitaph letters were handwritten by Monk Hyegang of Bunhwangsa Temple. Thus, it also serves as important material for those studying the history of calligraphy. An important characteristic of this stele is that the composer wrote about the life of Jijeung based on six marvelous facts and six great deeds. The stele is also regarded as a valuable material concerning the history of Silla, since it contains plenty of information on the names of people, places, local offices, systems, and customs. It says that the Zen Mountain Sects prospered with the support of an influential local at the end of the Silla Period. It also discloses the details of those in the organization who played a central role in the operation of a temple. The stele is the only source of information left concerning a sacred area called sodo in Baekje.

Location