Tongdosa Temple

Tongdosa, one of Korea's three major temples, is a Buddha Jewel Temple where the true relics of the Buddha are enshrined. According to temple records, it was named Tongdosa because the mountain where the temple is located resembles India's Vulture Peak, where the Buddha preached. It was also called Tongdo because all who wish to become monks must pass through the Diamond Altar (Geumganggyedan), and because it signifies unifying all truths to save all sentient beings. According to the records of Samguk Yusa, it is said that Master Jajang of Silla, after learning Buddhism in Tang China and returning to become the Great National Patriarch of Silla, founded Tongdosa by royal command. He widely propagated Buddhism by overseeing monastic rules and teaching Buddhist practices. He enshrined the Buddha's true relics and built the Diamond Altar, allowing many who wished to become monks to achieve enlightenment. The buildings, which were destroyed during the Imjin War, were reconstructed twice, and except for Daegwangmyeongjeon (Great Bright Hall), all are newly built structures. As Tongdosa enshrines the true relics of the Buddha, no Buddha statue is enshrined in the Main Hall (Daeungjeon). The Daeungjeon and the Diamond Altar are designated as National Treasures, and 26 items, including the bronze censer with silver inlay (cheongdong eunipsa hyangwan) and the Bongbaltap Pagoda of Tongdosa, designated as Treasures, are housed in the temple's Seongbo Museum. Tongdosa Templestay offers a substantial program befitting the scale of such a large temple. Starting with temple etiquette taught directly by the monks, and including a commentary on Tongdosa cultural heritage provided by the temple's volunteer group, Jeokmyeoldoryanghoe, though the time is short, it imparts essential knowledge about the temple. When the sun sets, participants carry the lotus lanterns they made during the day, enter the Bogung (Relic Hall) where the Buddha's relics and monastic robes are enshrined, and meditate facing the relic pagoda. Bogung meditation is such a core program of Tongdosa Templestay that some people participate solely for this experience.