Baekyangsa Temple

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Jangseong

Baekyangsa means Temple of the White Sheep. The temple is situated within Naejangsan National Park, and it is the head temple for the 18th district of the Jogye order of Seon Buddhism. It is one of the Five Major Temples of Korea. It is believed that the temple was established in 632 during the Baekje dynasty by Seon Master Yeohwan. In 1034 during the Goryeo dynasty, the temple was restored by Seon Master Jungyeon. In 1574 during the Joseon dynasty, a white sheep was said to have come to listen to a Dharma teaching by Seon Master Hwanyang. The temple was renamed after the white sheep, based on the idea that even a sheep can perceive the truth of the Dharma.
The buildings of the temple include the One Pillar Gate, Gate of Four Heavenly Kings, Great Hero Hall, Ultimate Bliss Hall, Judgment Hall, lecture hall, and Stupa of Master Soyo. The five-by-three bay Great Hero Hall has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. It contains statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. The three-bay wide Ultimate Bliss Hall has an overhanging gable roof. It is the oldest building at the temple. The Stupa of Master Soyo is listed as Treasure No. 1346, while the Great Hero Hall, Ultimate Bliss Hall, and Gate of Four Heavenly Kings are listed as Tangible Cultural Properties.