Worldbridges Megafeed
Gwangbae and Geosingwang – The Nimbus and Mandorla: 광배 & 거신광
It’s common to see either the body or head (or both) of a Buddha or Bodhisattva at a Korean Buddhist temple have a circular nimbus or boat-like shaped mandorla surrounding it. Both shapes are loaded with symbolic meaning. So why do they appear in Buddhist artwork like in statues or paintings? And what do they mean?
Gwangbae and Geosingwang DesignIn Korean, the round nimbus around the head of a Buddha or Bodhisattva is known as a “Gwangbae – 광배.” And the boat-like shaped mandorla around the head and body of a Buddha or Bodhisattva is called a “Geosingwang – 거신광” in Korean. In India, the nimbus is traditionally placed exclusively around the head of the Buddha or Bodhisattva; however, in Korea, the nimbus can either appear around the head and/or the body of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. In all cases, the nimbus (gwangbae) and mandorla (geosingwang) is meant to symbolize the light of wisdom and truth.
The statue inside the Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju. The Seokguram Grotto statue is a great example of a circular nimbus mounted behind the head of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). Seokguram Grotto is National Treasure #24. The Clay Seated Buddha of Buseoksa Temple is a great example of a mandorla surrounding the entire body of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). The statue is National Treasure #45.More specifically, in Korea, the light that shines forth from a Buddha or Bodhisattva is divided into two types of light. The first is known as “The Light from the Head,” and the second is known as “The Light from the Body.” Images that have a body mandorla will also surround the head in Korea, as well. However, this isn’t always the case with a head nimbus, as a head nimbus can stand alone adorning a Korean Buddhist statue or painting like the statue of Seokgamoni-bul inside the Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju. If a statue or painting has a head nimbus, look at the tuft of hair between the eyebrows of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, as it’s believed that this is the most powerful ray of light that can emanate from a Buddha or Bodhisattva.
If a statue or painting of a Buddha or Bodhisattva has a full body mandorla, which encapsulates both the head and the body, this type of mandorla is referred to as a “Geosingwang – 거신광” in Korean. The shape of the mandorla can look like a flame that’s flaring up. If this is the case, this type of mandorla is called a “Bojuhyeong,” which means “precious gem type” in English. However, if the shape of the mandorla simply looks like the bow of a ship, it’s called a “Juhyeong” in Korean. This shape usually consists of an outer loop filled with a honeysuckle design or a Chinese grass design with a lotus flower design in the centre of the aforementioned winding vegetation.
The Mural Painting in Geungnakjeon Hall of Muwisa Temple is National Treasure #313. Housed inside the Daejang-jeon Hall, which is Korean Treasure #827, at Geumsansa Temple, is this fiery mandorla that surrounds a statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). Gwangbae and Geosingwang MeaningThis form of nimbus and mandorla light is referenced in the “Lotus Sutra.” In this sutra, it is stated that a ray of light emitted from “…the tuft of white hair between his [the Buddha’s] eyebrows.” And from “The on the Visualization of the Buddha of Infinite Light,” the ray shining forth from the Buddha is the psychic energy of enlightenment. It’s also a mark of wisdom. This is number thirty-one of the thirty-two major marks on the Buddha’s body. This radiating mark of wisdom is known as an “auspicious ray.” It’s also known as the “mark of wisdom light.”
Furthermore, and according to Buddhism, this light that radiates from either the head or body of a Buddha or Bodhisattva is said to penetrate the darkness of delusion and falseness to help reveal the Truth. In Korean, “gwang” means physical light, which shines on its own. The Korean word “myeong,” on the other hand, is the illumination of objects by light. Brought together, and used in a Buddhist context, the word means a shining light that destroys all ignorance that helps reveal the dharma. Furthermore, this light breaks through delusion and false beliefs, while also relieving all sentient beings that suffer through Samsara. Ultimately, this light will lead individuals towards the path of liberation and freedom from Samsara.
The Stone Seated Buddha of Gounsa Temple is Korean Treasure #246. The Stone Seated Buddha of Unmunsa Temple is Korean Treasure #317. The Stone Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Jikjisa Temple is Korean Treasure #319. ExamplesThere are numerous wonderful examples of nimbus and mandorla adorning either Buddha or Bodhisattva statues or paintings throughout Korea. Here are just a few examples of these amazing artifacts: the Stone Seated Buddha in Mireukgok Valley of Namsan Mountain at Borisa Temple in Gyeongju, which is Korean Treasure #136; the statue of Seokgamoni-bul inside the Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju. The Seokguram Grotto, statue included, is National Treasure #24. The Clay Seated Buddha of Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do is National Treasure #45; the Mural Painting in Geungnakjeon Hall of Muwisa Temple is National Treasure #313; the statue of Seokgamoni-bul inside the Daejangjeon Hall of Geumsansa Temple in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do; the Stone Seated Buddha of Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do is Korean Treasure #246; the Stone Seated Buddha of Unmunsa Temple in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do is Korean Treasure #317; The Stone Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do is Korean Treasure #319; the Stone Seated Buddhas in Bukji-ri, Yeongju, now located at Buseoksa Temple, is Korean Treasure #220-1; and the Stone Seated Buddha of Yonghwasa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do is Korean Treasure #491.
The Stone Seated Buddhas in Bukji-ri, Yeongju, which is now housed at Buseoksa Temple, is Korean Treasure #220-1. The Stone Seated Buddha of Yonghwasa Temple is Korean Treasure #491. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
Wandering Around Ulsan
Recently, I have been walking around my adopted hometown of Ulsan, a lot more with my camera. I used to just walk or run along the Taehwa river to get into shape. However, since downloading “Hipstamatic X” on my phone and then picking up a smaller camera bag, I have started taking a lot more photos.
The reason for this was not really clear at first. I just wanted to get out and walk before work in order to get some exercise but more and more, I started noticing the world around me a little more. For photographers, that is something that we tend to forget as we focus on the end location. Especially, for landscape photographers, like myself.
Last month, I read the book “the Wander Society” by Keri Smith and it really struck a chord with me. It wasn’t like anything else that I have read at all this year and it opened my eyes up to something that I was missing in my day-to-day life and that was a sense of adventure.
How does this all have anything to do with photography in Korea, you ask? The answer is simple, we can’t always just pack up and go to Seoul or Jeollanamdo whenever we want. Some of us can’t wake up early and others work until late. However, we all have time to simply take a walk, somewhere.
After rediscovering film photography, this sense of wonder in the wandering that I do became something that I look forward to most days. It is when the grief and stress take a backseat to the crazy world around me. The changing of the seasons and the random animals that inhabit the urban environment around my apartment seem to stand out a little more when I am poking around with my camera.
So what can you do? just take a walk. You don’t have to have any set subject. It doesn’t have to be about your kids, girlfriend, dog or partner. Just open up to where ever your mind takes you. I know that sounds a little too “woo-woo” new wave for most but trust me when I say that it will help you discover hidden parts of your neighbourhood and your creativity.
My advice would be to take some time each day and go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long time and you don’t have to go very far. Just go and observe the light. Walk and see what catches your eye and photograph it. That is all. You don’t have to share these shots with anyone. They are just for you
The bottomline here is that this post is mostly about discovering not only your creativity but also your city as well. Often times, we gravitate to well-known areas to shoot because we think that it will get us more likes. However, taking the time to explore the area around your adopted home will prove very useful in the long run.
The post Wandering Around Ulsan appeared first on The Sajin.
—
Already in Korea - Looking For A Job
Hello,
I am a teacher with 4.5 years of teaching. My teaching experience ranges from kindergarten to high school.
I am looking for a part-time job or any teaching job with at least 20 hours a week.
I am already in Korea and have my own apartment in Busan, Dangnae GU.
I am looking to start at the beginning of September.
If your school is looking for an amazing, experienced and energetic teacher then feel free to contact me -- .
Silver and Korean Commemorative Sets
1. 500 gram Silver Bar - 460k OBO
2. Korean Circle Dance Coin (box not in good shape, but coin is great and in a case) - 45k OBO
3. Tug Of War Coin (box not in good shape, but coin is great and in a case) - 45k OBO
4. Seoul Olympic Set (1000 case is cracked, but others are great) - 95k OBO
5. (4) 1 oz. Coins (Random and different conditions(see pics)) - 140k OBO for all
Send a pm here or shoot me an email with any questions, comments or offers.
20210703_120130.jpg 20210703_120042.jpg 20210703_120720.jpg 20210703_120743.jpg 20210703_121047.jpg 20210703_121100.jpg 20210703_121307.jpg 20210703_121352.jpg 20210703_121707.jpg 20210703_121835.jpgNamjijangsa Temple – 남지장사 (Dalseong-gun, Daegu)
This posts contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales, if you purchase the item after clicking on an advertising link at no expense to you. This will help keep the website running. Thanks, as always, for your support!
Temple HistoryNamjijangsa Temple is located in the southern part of Daegu in Dalseong-gun. More specifically, the temple is located to the south-east of the towering Mt. Choijeongsan (905 m). As for the name of the temple, Namjijangsa Temple means “South Jijang Temple” in English, which is in reference to the Bodhisattva of the Afterlife: Jijang-bosal. And the temple is a counterpart to Bukjijangsa Temple in neighbouring Dong-gu, Daegu.
Namjijangsa Temple was first established in 684 A.D. by the monk Yanggae. Eventually, the temple would grow to include eight shrine halls, a Jong-ru (Bell Pavilion) and Cheonwangmun Gate. Namjijangsa Temple is also believed to have once been the home to the famed monk Ilyeon (1206-1289) in 1263. Ilyeon was the author of the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms). However, Namjijangsa Temple was completely destroyed by the invading Japanese in 1592 during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple would later be rebuilt on a smaller scale starting in 1652 by the monk Inhye. This would start a process of reconstruction and extensive renovations that would last over one hundred years, coming to an end in 1769.
Historically, the temple has been home to two of Korea’s most famous monks: Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610) and Muhak-daesa (1327-1405). Muhak-daesa was an advisor to Yi Seong-gye (Taejo of Joseon, r. 1392-1398), who would found the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Muhak-daesa once studied at Namjijangsa Temple. As for Samyeong-daesa, he would use Namjijangsa Temple as the main training centre for the Righteous Army (Uibyeong – 의병) in the Yeongnam region. Samyeong-daesa would lead the Righteous Army against the Japanese during the Imjin War (1592-1598); sadly, this would result in the temple being a target by the Japanese, leading to its ultimate destruction in 1592, to help blunt the efforts of Samyeong-daesa.
Temple LayoutYou first approach Namjijangsa Temple down a few country roads, until you eventually arrive at the temple parking lot. It’s next to a beautiful large water fountain that you’ll climb a set of stone stairs to get to the rather peculiar entry gate. The entry gate at Namjijangsa Temple, rather uniquely, has a Jong-ru (Bell Pavilion) to the right with a storage area to the left. Housed inside the Jong-ru Pavilion is a stout Brahma Bell with Poroe adorning the top of the bronze bell and Korean writing and Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) adorning the body of the bell.
Having passed through this temple entry gate, you’ll enter into the main temple courtyard at Namjijangsa Temple. To your left, as you first enter, are the monks living quarters. And to the right is the temple’s visitors centre. Straight ahead of you sits the Daeung-jeon Hall. In front of the main hall stands a slender five-story stone pagoda that’s adorned with various trinkets that visitors have left behind as signs of devotion. Adorning the exterior walls to the Daeung-jeon Hall are a beautiful set of the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life). As for the interior, and resting on the main altar of the Daeung-jeon Hall, are a triad of statues centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This statue is joined on either side by Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). And on the far right wall hangs a large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
To the right rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Samseong-gak Hall. Housed inside this shaman shrine hall are a triad of paintings. Both the Dokseong (Lonely Saint) and Chilseong (Seven Stars) murals are predominantly red in colour. But it’s the curmudgeonly Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), who holds the accompanying tiger by the tail, that’s the main attraction of the three shaman murals.
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the newly constructed Geukrak-jeon Hall. As you first enter the shrine hall, you’ll find amazing dragons adorning the latticework of the entry door. At the base of this door is an equally amazing Gwimyeon (Monster Masks) guarding the entry of the Geukrak-jeon Hall. As for the interior, and resting on a packed main altar, is a triad centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). He’s joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). Both Bodhisattvas wear beautiful fiery crowns.
And just to the left of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, in an outdoor pavilion, under a canopy, is a shrine dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). The intense image of Yongwang is joined by two twisting dragons. The large image of Yongwang is also joined by a spring at the base of the mural.
How To Get ThereFrom the Daegu train station, you’ll need to walk about fifteen minutes, or one kilometre, to get to the Chilseong market (where the NH Bank is located) bus stop. Take the bus that reads “Gachang 2” on it. After fifty stops, or one hour, you’ll need to get off at the Urokri stop. This is also the last stop of the bus route. From the Urokri stop, you’ll need to walk an additional 2.7 kilometres, or forty-one minutes, to get to Namjijangsa Temple.
You can take a bus or you can simply take a taxi from the Daegu train station. If you do decide to take a taxi, it’ll cost you around 25,000 won (one way), and it’ll take about one hour.
Overall Rating: 6/10Without a doubt, the biggest highlight to this temple is the curmudgeonly Sanshin painting inside the Samseong-gak Hall. Adding to the temple’s overall beauty is the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) housed inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, the main altar statues inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall, and the large outdoor shrine dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King).
The entry to Namjijangsa Temple. The Brahma Bell inside the entry gate to the temple. One of the Palsang-do murals. A look inside the Daeung-jeon Hall at the main altar. The curmudgeonly Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) inside the Samseong-gak Hall. The newly built Geukrak-jeon Hall. The beautiful dragons and Gwimyeon adorning the entry to the Geukrak-jeon Hall. A look inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall at the main altar. The outdoor shrine dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). A closer look at the Yongwang mural. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
Fun, Outgoing, and Experiened teacher still available for part time or full time work
Hello. My name is Danny. I've lived and worked in Busan for over 12 years. I'm looking for a new position, either part time or full-time. I am very outgoing and if given a chance, your elementary and middle school students will like me.I have a transferrable E2 visa and could be available ASAP. So, if you want a charismatic teacher, who knows how to keep students interested, please let me know. I'll be happy to work for you.
If you are a recruiter and reading this, please don't send me unsolicited "leads" Only real jobs, please.
Preloved baby stuffs
Hello everyone, my baby is growing up and no longer needs these items. I would like to sell preloved baby's stuffs.
All of these items are still working fine.
For the exersaucer, all the toys still sound fine, it's just that the appearance is not perfect including the seat.
If you need clearer photos, please contact me.
Nuna travel crib: 70,000 won
Fisher Price Newborn-To-Toddler Rocker: 10,000 won
Evenflo Exersaucer (without playing mate): 10,000 won
If you buy all items, the price is 80.000 won.
For detailed specifications:
Exersaucer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI3G7PzpcBU
Rockers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxnRQH9YSKk
Crib: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHEZq0HuUaw
For more details info and photos, kindly drop me a message
S__2424834.jpg 14379847364590.jpg Picture1.jpg S__2424841.jpgTOPIK Ⅱ Writing Lesson │논리적 글쓰기(실전)✍️
Sign-up NOW and get 2-Weeks Free Trial
MasterTOPIK.com
Learning strategy which is the fastest and easiest way to reach the target TOPIK score,
at a reasonable price of $14 a month. Stay Connected! MasterTOPIK
Facebook Kakaotalk Instagram
Apartment in Jeonpo/Seomyeon area!
Hello everyone,
I'm currently looking for someone to take over my officetel because I would like to leave Korea soon. It's located in a very central area, and the landlord can communicate in English, and she's really helpful. If I didn't have to leave, I would've stayed here a lot longer. Details are below:
Available from August 1st!
Key money/Deposit: 3 million
Monthly rent: 370,000 won
Average Gwanribi: 100,000 a month but the price includes water and electricity each month, and gas is separate.
If you would like it furnished, I would prefer this, this is also possible. Everything is less than a year old so it's all in really good condition. The curtains and bathroom cabinet were also recently changed. I also have a prepaid wifi-contract that doesn't end until October so when you move in, you wouldn't have to worry about wifi right away. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to contact me, and I could set up a tour of the apartment.
IMG_9600 2.PNG IMG_9508.jpg IMG_9533.jpg
Looking for 1 female housemate in Busan! Apt. near Gwanganli Beach!
Looking for 1 female housemate in Busan! Apartment near Gwanganli Beach!
Hello, I'm posting this on behalf of my parents who live in Busan. They are renting out their spacious 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment and currently looking for 1 new female housemate to use the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
You will be sharing the apartment with only 2 other female housemates; so 1 person per room, and the smallest room is being used as storage.
It is a nice clean apartment only steps away from Gwanganli beach. From the balcony it has an amazing view of the ocean. Please check the conditions below and contact me if you are interested!
- Conditions:
- Monthly rent: 400,000won all bills included (high-speed internet, heating, water, apartment maintenance etc.)
- Deposit: 400,000won (deposit will be returned on your last day of stay)
- Move-in date: Currently vacant so can move in anytime
- Spacious bedroom fully furnished with a bed, expandable side table beside the bed, large desk, chair, 2 wardrobes (one with a full sized mirror) etc.
-Ensuite Bathroom: You have your own bathroom
-The living room, kitchen and two balconies are common areas shared with the other 2 housemates.
- Indoor laundry, refrigerator, microwave, kitchen tupperware etc. equipped in the apartment for you to use
- The apartment is on the 9th floor and is facing the Gwanganli beach so has a spectacular view of the coast
- Preference: Non-smoker, someone clean and tidy who will use the apartment like their own
- Location: Line 2 Green Line, Namchun Station (남천역(KBS)) Exit 3
- Please message me if you’re interested or feel free to text my parents directly at 010-8547-8420 to arrange a viewing. They speak English:)
거실1.jpeg 거실2.jpeg 복도.jpeg 부엌1.jpeg 큰방1.jpeg 큰방2.jpeg 큰방3.jpeg 큰방 화장실.jpeg 발코니 뷰1.jpgLive stream from Korea
We Tried the BEST PORK CUTLET in Seoul: Café and Restaurant Hopping in Hyewadong
Where can I get a MacBook repaired in Seoul?
My MacBook won't turn on and I need someone to take a look at it. I heard the Apple store in Shinsegae (lotte) doesn't do repairs.. If anyone could recommend a place, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!
Grading your Korean – Mastering pronouns | Billy Go
It's time for a new "Grading your Korean" episode, where I grade the Korean of some of my subscribers. I'm still accepting new submissions, and there are instructions for how you can send in your video for me to grade in this video's description.
In this episode, we'll talk in detail about using Korean politeness levels, as well as using pronouns in Korean.
Special thanks to Grant for sending me his video to grade.
The post Grading your Korean – Mastering pronouns | Billy Go appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
—FOLLOW ME HERE: SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL:
KoreaBuyandShip
Our services are Package forwrading service / parcel forwarding service / proxy shopping servic
Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang – The Twin Guardians of Korean Temples: 나라연 금강 & 밀적 금강
When you first enter a temple, you’re typically greeted by the paintings or the statues of the “Sacheonwang” in Korean, or the “Four Heavenly Kings” in English, inside the Cheonwangmun Gate. However, there are two other guardians that you can find at the entry of a Korean Buddhist temple. They can either be painted on the front entry doors to the temple, or they can take up residence inside the Geumgangmun Gate. As I’ve already written a post about the Sacheonwang, I thought I would now write about the other two guardians that you might encounter at the entry of a Korean temple. So who are these two guardians? What do they look like? And why are they at the entry of a Korean Buddhist temple.
The History of Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok GeumgangThe twin guardians at the entry of a Korean Buddhist temple are known as “Narayeon Geumgang – 나라연금강” and “Miljeok Geumgang – 밀적 금강” in Korean. Both are manifestations of Vajrapani (Protector and Guide to Siddhartha Gautama). Additionally, they are seen as a manifestation of Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul), and in Pure Land Buddhism, or “Jeongto-jong – 정토종” in Korean, the image of Daesaeji-bosal will appear flanking Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise).
In Chinese Buddhism, where these two figures originate, and then migrate eastward to the Korean peninsula and then onto Japan, they are known as Heng and Ha. At a Chinese Buddhist temple, you’ll typically find them housed inside the Shanmen (The Gate of Three Liberations), which is the most important gate at a Chan (Seon – 선) Buddhist temple. They typically hold vajras (short metal weapons symbolic of the indestructibility of a diamond). In Korean a vajra is known as “Geumgang-jeo – 금강저.” Both are believed to protect the dharma (Buddha’s teachings), so they are known as dharmapala (dharma protector).
Originally when these two guardians appeared in Indian Buddhism, there was only one of them. However, as Buddhism migrated eastward and appeared in China, the influence of Chinese traditional culture and folk customs took hold. So instead of having just one of these guardians, and appealing to the Chinese custom of the importance of pairs, these two guardians multiplied and became Heng and Ha.
The Appearance of Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok GeumgangAs for the appearance of Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang, they can be wearing a crown and they have enormous physical strength made evident by their rippling upper body muscles. They have graceful, light clothes with their upper bodies exposed. However, during the conservatism of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the upper body was later clothed. They can have wild hair, coloured skin, and fierce and intimidating expressions on their faces. They also appear with their eyes wide open and their noses protruding outward. Most commonly, and the greatest giveaway as to their identity, are the vajras that they hold in their hands.
More specifically, the guardian on the right is traditionally Miljeok Geumgang, and it has its mouth open to pronounce the sound “a.” This sound represents the vocalization of the first grapheme (a grapheme is a letter or a number of letters that represent a sound in a word) of Sanskrit Devanagari. This is “अ” and it’s pronounced “a.” Miljeok Geumgang symbolizes unconcealed strength, which is physically made evident with the geumgang-jeo (diamond club), thunderbolt stick, or sun symbol he holds. It’s also made plain by Miljeok Geumgang baring his teeth.
The guardian on the left, Narayeon Geumgang, has its mouth closed to utter the “heng” sound. This sound represents the vocalization of the last grapheme of Devanāgarī, which is “ह.” This is pronounced like a “heng.” Furthermore, Narayeon Geumgang symbolizes a dormant sense of strength, which is physically made evident with his mouth firmly clenched, and he’s either barehanded or wielding a geumgang-jeo (diamond club).
Together, these two characters of “a” and “heng” are meant to symbolize the birth and death of all things. According to myth, all people are born speaking the “a” sound with their mouths open. And when a person dies, they are saying “heng” with their mouths closed. Similar to Jaya-Vijaya in Hinduism, Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang in Buddhism are meant to signify “everything” or “all creation.” And the contraction for both, which is “Om – ॐ,” which in Sanskrit symbolizes The Absolute.
As for their powers, they can use deadly rays of light to defeat those that want to harm the dharma. So Narayeon Geumgang shoots deadly rays of light from its nostrils, while it makes the “heng” sound. While Miljeok Geumgang shoots rays of light from his mouth, while it makes the “ha” sound with its mouth. So while Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang protect the physical world of the temple, they also protect wisdom from ignorance.
Inside Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju with Narayeon Geumgang (right) and Miljeok Geumgang (left) protectively guarding the entry to the inner chamber (Picture courtesy of Wikipedia). ExamplesThere are numerous wonderful examples of Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang both as paintings and statues throughout Korea. As for paintings, you can see some great examples at Nojeonam Hermitage in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do; the famed Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju; Silleuksa Temple in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do; and Beopjangsa Temple in Gyeongju, as well.
As for statues of Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang, you can typically find them inside the Geumgangmun Gate at the entry of the temple grounds. Great examples of these can be found at Magoksa Temple in the Haetalmun Gate in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do; the entry to the Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju; and inside the historic Haetalmun Gate at Dogapsa Temple in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do.
Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
Pages
