Cheongryongsaji Bogakguksa Memorial Stele of Buddhist Monk, Chungju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.658

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 태조 3년(1394)

Designated year

1979

Location

충주시, 충청북도— 충북 충주시 소태면 오량리 산32-2번지

Coordinates

37.130913, 127.838096

This monument is situated at the original site of Cheongnyongsa Temple and its purpose is to enshrine the spirit of the National Preceptor Bogakguksa, who lived through the transition from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty. Honsu, the monk's other name, emphasized being careful and strict in following Buddhist ethics and commandments. He was also excellent at writing and calligraphy. Born in the seventh year of King Chungsuk’s reign (1302), he started his monkhood at the age of 12 in Gyesong. At the age of 22, he passed the governor's examination for monks and moved to Geumgangsan Mountain and then after 7 years, to Cheongnyongsa Temple. Rejecting King Gongmin's offer to work for Hoeamsa Temple, he stayed over in several small temples. He accepted the king's second offer to stay in Hoeamsa Temple, but after three years, he left to lead an ascetic life in various mountains. In the first year of the reign of King Taejo (1392), while he was staying in Cheongnyongsa Temple, he entered Nirvana. King Taejo bestowed him the posthumous name, Bogak, dedicating the monument Jeonghyewonyung, and had the temple enlarged. The main part of the monument is on the top of a rectangular pedestal without any capstone. The inscription, composed by Gwon Geun and written by Cheontaek, describes Bogak's life and achievements. The calligraphy harbors so much strength, simplicity, and mystery that it is comparable to any Chinese masterpiece.. It has even been considered the best example from the Joseon Dynasty.

Location