Stele of Buddhist Monk Daegyeong from Borisa Temple Site, Yangpyeong

This is the stele of Buddhist Monk Daegyeong, active from the late Unified Silla to the early Goryeo period. It was found at the site of Borisa Temple and moved to Gyeongbokgung Palace; it is now located on the grounds of the National Museum of Korea. Daegyeong entered the monastic order at the age of nine and studied the doctrinal (Gyo) schools of Buddhism, but later turned to the study of Seon (Zen). After studying in Tang China and returning, he became the teacher of King Gyeongsun, and King Taejo of Goryeo, holding him in high regard, had him remain as abbot of Borisa Temple. He passed away at this temple at the age of sixty-nine, and King Taejo bestowed on him the posthumous title 'Daegyeong' and the stupa name 'Hyeongi'. The stele consists of a flat stone tortoise base rearing up with a magic jewel in its mouth, and a massive capstone; the two fail to harmonise with each other, leaving the overall balance somewhat off. Nevertheless, the clouds and dragons carved on the capstone are rendered with great vigour and are worth noting. The inscription records the master's life and achievements; it was composed by Choe Eon-wi, a noted writer of the time, written out in calligraphy by Yi Hwan-chu, and carved by the master's disciple Choe Mun-yun. The calligraphy conveys a strength derived from sharply defined stroke edges, a feature that captures well the character of early Goryeo calligraphy. The stele was erected in 939, the twenty-second year of King Taejo of Goryeo, ten years after the master's death.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물