Stele of Master Bojo at Borimsa Temple, Jangheung

This is the memorial stele of Master Bojo, also known as Jiseon, at Borimsa Temple; it consists of a stele body set upright on a tortoise-shaped base and topped with a capstone. Master Bojo (804–880) was a monk of the Unified Silla period who left home to become a monk at a young age and studied the Buddhist scriptures; in 827, the second year of King Heungdeok, he received the precepts that a monk must observe. In 837, the second year of King Huigang, he travelled to China, but feeling there was no need to seek the teaching so far away, he returned in 840, the second year of King Munseong, and taught Seon, meditative Buddhism, to many monks. In 859, the third year of King Heonan, he became abbot of Borimsa Temple at the king's request, and passed away at the age of 77. The king bestowed on him the posthumous title "Master Bojo" and named his stupa "Changseong". The head of the tortoise base takes the form of a dragon's head, giving it a fierce look with sharply defined features, and its back is covered entirely with a hexagonal-patterned design. The socket at the centre of the back, made to hold the stele, is decorated with carved clouds and lotus flowers. The body of the stele bears an inscription recording the life of Master Bojo, composed by Kim Yeong and written in calligraphy by Kim Won and Kim Eon-gyeong. The capstone is carved on a grand scale with clouds and dragons, and at the centre of its front face is inscribed the stele's title, "Gajisan Bojoseonsa Biyeong" (Stele of Master Bojo at Gajisan Mountain). Erected in 884, the tenth year of King Heongang of Unified Silla, this stele is an outstanding work representative of the sculptural standards of its time.

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Where it is

Region

Jangheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물