Realizing the Way of the Buddha at Geumgang Gyedan in Tongdosa Temple
Every Korean temple has its unique colors. Among them, three temples in particular are called the Three Jewel Monasteries because each of them has one of the three jewels of Buddhism: bul (Buddha), beop (Dharma), and seung (sangha).
Tongdosa where there are the relics of the Buddha is called Bulbosachal (Buddha-jewel monastery), Haeinsa where there is Plaman daejanggyeong that contains the words of the Buddha is called Beopbosachal (dharma-jewel monastery), and Songwangsa that has produced many great priests is called Seungbosachal (sangha-jewel monastery).
Among them, Tongdosa is regarded as a place where the real Buddha is breathing as they have the jinsinsari (sacred relics of the Buddha) in Daeungjeon. Furthermore, the temple has unique architectural beauty because each of the four sides of the building looks like the front.
Geumgang Gyedan is where the sugyesik (ordinations) is held which is the most important step in the process of becoming a monk. Geumgang Gyedan where we realize the way and the truth is the Buddha itself, and we bow, pray, and seek teachings in front of the Buddha.
Let's look at the unique Buddhist architecture of the Daeungjeon and Geumgang Gyedan in Tongdosa where the jewels of the Buddha which were handed over from Jajangyulsa. …...more
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