Stupa and Stele of State Preceptor Bogak at Ingaksa Temple, Gunwi

This is the sarira stupa of State Preceptor Bogak, the monk Ilyeon, who died in 1289, the 15th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo, together with the stele recording his life's achievements. Ilyeon was a monk of many accomplishments, including the compilation of Samguk yusa, and in his old age he is said to have devoted himself to caring for his elderly mother at Ingaksa Temple. According to tradition, when the sun rose each morning, light radiating from this stupa illuminated the nearby grave of Ilyeon's mother. The stupa rests on a natural stone base, above which sits an octagonal lower pedestal stone whose upper surface slopes steeply. The middle pedestal stone is also octagonal and carved with animal figures, though these are no longer distinct. The upper pedestal stone is octagonal but nearly circular in outline, and bears a plain, unadorned lotus design. The body of the stupa is likewise octagonal: the front carries the stupa's name, Bogak guksa jeongjo ji tap, the back is carved with a door-shaped design, and the remaining six faces bear standing images of the Four Heavenly Kings and bodhisattva figures standing on lotus flowers. Beneath the thick eaves of the roof the corners curve gently upward, the roof slope is rather steep, and floral ornaments hang from the ends of the roof ridges. A large finial sits at the very top of the roof. The stele was erected by Beopjin, a disciple of the State Preceptor. Its text was composed, by royal command, by Minji, a noted literary figure of the time, and the lettering was made by assembling characters, taken from the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi of China's Jin dynasty. The stele itself is now badly damaged, but fortunately a transcription of its text survives at Woljeongsa Temple on Odaesan Mountain. According to that text, the stele was erected in 1295, the 21st year of King Chungnyeol, so the stupa itself is presumed to have been built sometime between 1289, the year of Ilyeon's death, and 1295.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gunwi, Daegu

Designation

Treasure · 보물