Bomunsa Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

SOUTH KOREA, Incheon

This bas-relief is located 10 m off the ground on a cliff wall in the vicinity of Bomunsa Temple, which is situated on Seongmado Island in Ganghwa county of Incheon. It was carved in 1937 by Yi Hwaeung and Bae Seonju, both of whom are abbots at Pyohunsa Temple at Kumgangsan and Bomunsa Temple, respectively. Bomunsa Temple is one of the three sacred places dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in South Korea. The statue is listed as Municipal Tangible Cultural Property No. 29.
The crowned Bodhisattva is backed by a patterned nimbus that intersects with the aureole radiating about the body. The figure is absorbed in meditation, reflected in the serene face with narrowed eyes. The hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra, and the figure sits in full lotus position. The folds of the monastic robe harmonize with the decorative lotus petals of the throne below. Other attributes include the swastika on the figure’s chest and the vase of blessings cupped in the palms.