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National Treasure

Stele of Buddhist Monk Jijeung at Bongamsa Temple, Mungyeong

문경 봉암사 지증대사탑비 ( 聞慶 鳳巖寺 智證大師塔碑 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stele of Buddhist Monk Jijeung at Bongamsa Temple, Mungyeong
Quantity 1 stele
Designated Date 2010.01.04
Age 924
Address Bongamsa Temple, 313, Wonbuk-gil, Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This stele was erected in honor of a great Buddhist monk named Jijeung (also known as State Preceptor Doheon). The size of the monument and the carving technique are representative of the late Unified Silla Period. The stele summarized the history of Buddhism during the Silla Period, dividing it into three periods. It also contains the religious pedigree started by Jijeung. The epitaph of the stele was composed by Choe Chi-won, one of the greatest scholars and writers of that time. This stele is said to be one of the four most valuable monuments in the mountains whose epitaphs were composed by Choe Chi-won; the other three are: Daesungboksabi in Chowolsan Mountain, Gyeongju; Stele for Buddhist Monk Nanghye at the Seongjusa Temple Site, Boryeong (National Treasure No. 8), and; Stele for Master Jingam at Ssanggyesa Temple, Hadong (National Treasure No. 47). The stele says when it was erected, and the epitaph letters were handwritten by Monk Hyegang of Bunhwangsa Temple. Thus, it also serves as important material for those studying the history of calligraphy. An important characteristic of this stele is that the composer wrote about the life of Jijeung based on six marvelous facts and six great deeds. The stele is also regarded as a valuable material concerning the history of Silla, since it contains plenty of information on the names of people, places, local offices, systems, and customs. It says that the Zen Mountain Sects prospered with the support of an influential local at the end of the Silla Period. It also discloses the details of those in the organization who played a central role in the operation of a temple. The stele is the only source of information left concerning a sacred area called sodo in Baekje.