Jajang
Encyclopedia
Jajang was a monk born Kim Seonjong, into the royal Kim family, in the kingdom of Silla
. He is credited with founding the temple of Tongdosa
in 646 CE, near in what is now Busan
, South Korea
, and played a significant role in the adoption of Buddhism
as the national religion of Silla.
China
, for seven years becoming a taeguksa (Great Noble Priest) upon returning, receiving the highest honors from Queen Seondeok
.
" (pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters).
, is considered the most important.
Temples of note:
Silla
Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and one of the longest sustained dynasties in...
. He is credited with founding the temple of Tongdosa
Tongdosa
Tongdosa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and in the southern part of Mt...
in 646 CE, near in what is now Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, and played a significant role in the adoption of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
as the national religion of Silla.
Training
In 636 Jajang traveled to China to study under the great Buddhist masters of the Tang DynastyTang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, for seven years becoming a taeguksa (Great Noble Priest) upon returning, receiving the highest honors from Queen Seondeok
Queen Seondeok of Silla
Queen Seondeok of Silla reigned as Queen of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 632 to 647. She was Silla's twenty-seventh ruler, and its first reigning queen...
.
Treasures
When Jajang returned from China he was given invaluable holy treasures: a fragment of the original Sakyamuni Buddha's skull, a wooden begging-bowl and monastic-robe of Buddha, and 100 of the Buddha's "sariraSarira
Śarīra are generic terms for "Buddhist relics", although in common usage these terms usually refer to a kind of pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters...
" (pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters).
Reputation
Because of his sharp mind he was repeatedly requested by the King to take a position of responsibility at court. Jajang repeatedly refused these requests so finally the King issued an ultimatum: "If you do not accept this official position I offer, I will have your head severed for disobedience." Jajang replied "I would rather die keeping the commandments of Buddha for one day than live for a hundred years while breaking them." The King seeing the wisdom in Jajang's reply relented allowing Jajang to remain a monk.Temples
Jajang established many temples but Tongdosa, one of the Three Jewel Temples of KoreaThree Jewel Temples of Korea
The Three Jewel Temples of Korea are the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, each representing one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, and all located in South Korea....
, is considered the most important.
Temples of note:
- MagoksaMagoksaMagoksa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in Gongju, South Korea. It is located on the eastern slope of Taehwasan, on taegeuk-shaped bend in the Taegeukcheon Stream....
in 640 or 642 - Bongjeongam (Phoenix Bower Hermitage) in 642
- Sangwonsa in 643
- OseamOseamOseam is a 2003 South Korean drama/religious animation directed by Sung Baek-yeop. It is based on a novel by Korean author Jeong Chae-bong, who has described it as being a fairy tale for adults. The title means “Five year old temple.”...
in 643 - WoljeongsaWoljeongsaWoljeongsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on the eastern slopes of Odaesan in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea...
in 643 - Tongdosa in 646.
- SinheungsaSinheungsaSinheungsa, sometimes spelled Shinheungsa, is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is situated on the slopes of Seoraksan in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, South Korea....
in 652