Bongnyeongsa Temple奉寧寺

Bongnyeongsa Temple is a sub-temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the 2nd district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located at the foot of Gwanggyosan Mountain in Uman-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si. Bongnyeongsa Temple, situated at the foot of Gwanggyosan Mountain, is the oldest temple in Suwon, with its Stone Triad Buddha statues from the Goryeo Dynasty and the approximately 800-year-old juniper tree in front of the Daeungjeon hall serving as living evidence of its history, having shared its journey since the temple's founding, continuing to this day. It was founded by National Preceptor Won-gak in 1208 and named Seongchangsa Temple. Around 1400, it was renamed Bongdeoksa Temple. Then, in the first year of King Yejong of Joseon (1469), National Preceptor Hye-gak rebuilt it and named it Bongnyeongsa Temple. National Preceptor Hye-gak received the special honor of being a teacher to King Sejo and was a great monk who contributed to the vernacular translation of Buddhist scriptures at the Gankyongdogam. Bongnyeongsa Temple experienced a new turning point starting in 1971 when Bhikkhuni Myojeon became the head nun. She built new living quarters and a meditation hall, and opened the meditation hall. Subsequently, in 1975, a Sangha Academy was established with Bhikkhuni Myoeom as the lecturer. Then, in 1979, Bhikkhuni Myoeom concurrently held the positions of head nun and dean, and it was renamed Sangha University. Currently, the temple is strengthening its inner foundation as a training center for bhikkhunis, equipped with a meditation hall, a lecture hall, and a Vinaya institute. The temple is located on Gwanggyosan Mountain, and in accordance with its name's meaning, it widely spreads its teachings to cultivate Buddha-nature and is a place where diligent study and spiritual practice are continuously pursued to become a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism.