Around Bongnyeongsa

Bongnyeongsa

Bongnyeongsa is a branch 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. As the oldest temple in Suwon, Bongnyeongsa's history dates back to its founding, evidenced by the Stone Triad Buddhas from the Goryeo Dynasty and an approximately 800-year-old juniper tree in front of the Daeungjeon (Main Hall). It was founded in 1208 by National Preceptor Wonkak Guksa as Seongchangsa. Around 1400, it was renamed Bongdeoksa. In 1469, the first year of King Yejong of Joseon, National Preceptor Hyegak Guksa renovated it and gave it its current name, Bongnyeongsa. Hyegak Guksa was highly esteemed by King Sejo and contributed significantly to the vernacular translation of Buddhist scriptures. A new era for Bongnyeongsa began in 1971 with the appointment of Bhikkhuni Myojeon Sunim as its head nun. She oversaw the construction of new living quarters and a meditation hall, which was then opened. In 1975, a Buddhist seminary (Seungga Hakwon) was established with Bhikkhuni Myoeom Sunim as its instructor. By 1979, Myoeom Sunim was serving as both head nun and dean, and the seminary was renamed Seungga Daehak (Buddhist College). Today, Bongnyeongsa is a well-established training center for Bhikkhunis, equipped with a meditation hall, a lecture hall, and a Vinaya hall. Located on Gwanggyosan Mountain, it is a place dedicated to widely spreading Buddhist teachings to cultivate Buddha-nature and for diligent study and spiritual practice, striving to become a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism.