17세기의 완주 송광사 불사와 벽암 각성(碧巖覺性)

Abstract

In the 17th century, Songgwangsa Temple in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, was constructed on a large scale and it was almost an opening of new temple. Most of the construction work of Songgwangsa Temple was carried out during the reign of King Injo (r. 1623~1649) and lasted until the reign of King Hyojong. It was a chaotic time when the Later Jin invasion of Joseon (1627) and the Qing invasion of Joseon (1636) broke out. King Injo designated the temple as a special place for praying for the welfare of the nation as well as for the safe return of his two sons [Crown Prince Sohyeon and Prince Bonglim] that had been taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty. The project, which began in 1622, was almost completed in 1656 (7th year of King Hyojong) when the statues of Sakyamuni Buddha Triads, 16-Arhats (large in size) and 500-Arhats (smaller) were enshrined in the Nahanjeon Hall. Monk Byeogam Gakseong played a major role in reconstruction of Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong, Songgwangsa Temple in Wanju and Beopjusa Temple in Boeun. Many monks, known as a sect member of the monk Buhyu, resided in these temples. According to the records of the document I first found in Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, (Seoul National University) the loss of the Wonamsa Temple located in Mt. Cheongryangsan from the fire triggered the reconstruction of Songgwangsa Temple. It is assumed that Crown Prince Sohyeon may have participated in the creation of the statues of Sakyamuni Buddha Triads in Daewoongjeon Hall as a sponsor. Songgwangsa Temple in Wanju has clearly left the traces of a monk Byeogam Gakseong since the 17th century, and it is notable that it was a temple related to the royal family and that large clay Buddhist Statues have been created.