<< STUPA OF WONJONG NATIONAL PRECEPTOR >>
Enshrined in this granite stupa are the remains of Buddhist Monk Pou (1301-82)
of the late Koryo Kingdom (918-1392). The title Wongjong was posthumously bestowed
on the monk, whose pen name was Taego. Powolsunggong is inscribed on the stupa.
Ordained a monk at the age of 13 by Zen Master Kwangji-sonsa at Hoeamsa temple,
he passed the government examination for Buddhist positions in 1325. But, instead
of seeking a life of fame, he went into Kamnosa temple. He built Taegosa temple
in Mt.Samgak to the east of Chunghungsa temple. In 1346, the second year of
King Chungmok (r.1344-48), he went to Yuan China where he succeeded Monk Ching Kung
and became the 19th leader of the Imjejong Sect. He returned to Korea two years later
and contined his religious teachings at Sosolam hermitage. He became a royal preceptor
and then a National Preceptor before he died there.
The Stupa, which is 2.75 meters high, is in the shape of a bell. The top of the stupa
is sculpted in a flame pattern and the bottom is encircled with carved lotus petals.
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