Master Naong Stupa and Stone Lantern

On the ridge now extending north from the site of Hoeamsa Temple stand the stupas of Master Jigong and Great Master Muhak, and, in the uppermost space, the stupa and stone lantern of Master Naong. The Stupa of Master Naong follows the general style of the Silla and Goryeo periods: the overall plan is octagonal, but the body stone and the finial are circular. In particular, the body stone is rendered as a sphere, like a ball, with an octagonal okgaeseok (the roof-shaped capstone placed atop a stone pagoda or lantern) set above it and a tall finial rising further still, giving an image of light, soaring movement. The stone lantern is square in plan, its fire chamber and capstone smoothly finished to give a light, cheerful impression. Although the surfaces of the stupa and lantern bear no elaborate patterns or ornament, their clean appearance and orderly structure show that they were designed and built by a highly skilled craftsman. Master Naong (1320–1376), whose given name was Hyegeun, studied in China and received instruction from Master Jigong. In the late Goryeo period, King Gongmin and King U treated Master Naong with the utmost respect. He held a great dharma assembly at Hoeamsa Temple and, while travelling down to the provinces afterwards, passed away at Silleuksa Temple in Yeoju. When sari (Buddhist relics) emerged after his cremation, they were divided and stupas were raised at the various temples with which he had had deep ties during his life; this stupa is one of them. The stupa and stone lantern of Master Naong at Hoeamsa Temple were built in a style resembling those of his teacher, Master Jigong, and they are an important record of the late-Goryeo practice of erecting stupas for a single monk at several temples at once.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산