Songgwangsa

Songgwangsa () translation: Spreading Pine Temple; alternates: Songgwang-sa, or Songgwang Sa, or Songkwangsa; also known as: Piney Expanse Monastery; originally: Gilsangsa), one of the three jewels of Seon Buddhism, is located in South Jeolla Province on Mount Jogye on the Korean Peninsula. Situated approximately away from the sea, it is within the Jogyesan Provincial Park. While founded in 867, it fell into disuse but was re-established in 1190 by Seon master Jinul. Jinul's meditation teachings evolved from this monastery and contributed significantly to the Seon practice that prevails to this day in Korea. Songgwangsa is considered the "jewel" (Samgharatna) of the Korean monastic community. Though smaller in size, it is considered as the greatest among the trio of Three Jewels Temples representing “the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha". The other two of the trio, Tongdosa and Haeinsa, are located in South Gyeongsang Province. This monastery, though under the jurisdiction of the Jogye Order in Seoul, functions as an autonomous body. It controls a network of 49 small branch temples whose abbots are chosen from among the monks of the main monastery and who also enjoy a fair degree of independence as long as they function as independent economic units without depending on the main monastery. It currently serves as the head temple for the 21st district of the Jogye Order among the 25 head monasteries of the order. Songgwangsa, one of the oldest Seon temples in Korea, is still very active today as a practice center. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt many times and is now fully restored. As it has been the residence of many monks, the monastery has an assortment of stele and pagodas which contain the ashes of many monks. One of the oldest living quarters in Korea is located at Songgwangsa, as well as an International Seon Center that is popular with foreigners who seek the experience of living in a Seon temple. Koryo Sa, the first foreign branch of Songgwangsa, was established in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, US in 1980 by Kusan Sunim.