Buddhist Tradition in Korea: Bulguksa Temple

The GSE team sits in front of the entrance to the Temple Grounds

The Bulguksa Temple is built on a mountain and is considered a national treasure. It is also on the UNESCO world heritage list and is seen as having universal value culturally. The grounds are quite large and very beautiful.

Here is a path leading to the temple.

Here is a bridge crossing a waterway fill by mountain springs.

A gate by the bridge with the guardians of the temple. I am always amazaed at the detail and workman ship within all of the Buddhist Tradition. These two fellows represent two of the four winds.

A being at the feet of one of the guardians.

The Temple proper itself. There are 33 stairs representing the 33 steps to enlightnement.

The lower staircase has 17 steps and is called Cheoungungyo or the Blue Cloud Bridge. The upper staircase has 16 steps and is called Baegungyo or the White Cloud Bridge.

The Seokgatap pagoda inside the grounds is contructed with a 4:3:2 Ratio which gives it a semblance of balance.


The complex is big with three buildings with Buddhas statues in them.


One of the temple buildings on the grounds.

People donating money. There is a monk on the left.

More guardians on a gate.

A bell just outside the temple.

We have experienced much of Buddhist Culture on this trip.

Buddhism is the major religion practiced in Korea. It is fundamental belief is that of Karma or the law of cause and effect. This is the idea that we will experience ourselves what we cause others to experience. For example, if I cause someone mental anguish because of ridicule, I too will experience that anguish. This is based on intention. Thus right action or right intent will bring peace to yourself and others and by extension the world. This, as many Buddhists would tell you, is a simplified version. The monk that fed us chocolate says that "we are all one, so what we do to others we do to ourselves." That is a simple and elegant way of stating the golden rule, or do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Every major religion has some form of that rule. Imagine for a moment if everyone in the world would live like that for a day or even an hour. What kind of transformation would take place? Then ask yourself, do you treat others the way you wish to be treated? I know that I need to work on that.

Peace,

JASON