East Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple, Gurye

A pagoda holds the relics of the Buddha; a stupa holds those of a celebrated monk. It is built the same way — a base, a body that holds the relics, and a finial on top. This one stands east of Yeongoksa Temple on a square ground slab, octagonal throughout. Until early Goryeo Yeongoksa was well known as a place where monks practised Seon, which may be why it has two more: the stupa of Buddhist Monk Soyo and the north stupa. The east stupa is the most beautiful and graceful of the three. The base is in three parts. The lowest is in two tiers, carved with dragons wreathed in cloud and with lions. The middle part is ringed with a round border and carries the eight classes of divine beings who gather to hear the Buddha teach. The upper part is again two tiers, with a double row of lotus petals and carved columns in fine detail; round medallions set into it hold the kalavinka, the bird of paradise that lives in the Buddhist pure land — an unusual touch. The body stone is framed on each face and carries, in relief, incense burners and the four guardian kings who protect the teaching, though that carving is not of the best. The roof stone is cut with rafters and tile channels, precise enough to show the end tiles that finish each row. The finial stacks a phoenix with its wings spread above a band of lotus. It is said to be the stupa of State Preceptor Doseon, but that cannot be confirmed. It came close to being carried off to Tokyo Imperial University under Japanese rule, and fortunately stayed where it stands. The base is a little tall, but the proportions hold, the carving is excellent, and it is regarded as one of the finest works of late Unified Silla.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

National Treasure · 국보