양주 청련사의 역사적 변천과 위상

Abstract

Cheongryeonsa Temple is a Buddhist shrine that is affiliated to Taego Order of Korean Buddhism and its site used to be under a rock cliff of Muhak Peak, in Hawangsipri, Seoul, before it was relocated to current location in Yangju-si in 2010. There were conflicting claims of proprietorship of the temple between Jogye and Taego orders, and since a monk from Jogye Order has sold the temple area to a construction developer amid the conflict, Cheongryeonsa had to move its location to Yangju-si. Up to recently, the temple was called Anjeongsa Temple and its history is seen on the Record of Cheongryeonsa (K. Cheongryeonsaji 靑蓮寺誌) which was compiled during the 1940s. According to the construction document found on a purlin that was written during the Joseon period to mark the completion of the wooden frame and raising of the main crossbeam, the temple was believed to be established during the reign of King Heungdeok of Silla or to be found in the early Joseon period by Buddhist monk named Muhak. The first theory is derived from the fact that the King's reign is when Zen Buddhism from China was first introduced to the Korean Peninsula. The latter theory is explained to be believed since Muhak has moved the temple from the western valley of Mt. Jongnam to the site under the Muhak peak. Cheongryeonsa Temple was restored five times during the Joseon period and two times during the Japanese colonial era. The reconstruction works were conducted in order to repair partially destroyed or damaged temple buildings from a flood or a fire. But the 8th reconstruction of the temple in 2010 was a massive project led by Baekwoo, the Chief priest of the temple, to relocate the whole temple. Now the temple is on the foot of Mt. Gyemyeong, Yangju-si, and continues to inherit the 1000 years of its traditional heritage.