About 2.5 kilometers from the
U-i-dong bus terminal, one finds Dosunsa
Temple, which was founded by Master Dosun
(827-898) in 862, the second year of King Gyeongmun of the Silla
Kingdom. After traveling far and wide, Master Dosun foretold that
Buddhism would flourish at the Mt. Samgaksan and built Dosunsa Temple.
His prophecy came true over 1,000 years after his death as Master
Cheong-dam (1902-1971) of this temple helped Korean Buddhism flourish
in the 20th centry. Master Dosun was a learned monk.
He had a deep knowledge of astronomy and geography, and he introduced
geomancy to Korea. He noticed the unusually auspicious features
of Mt. Samgaksan and decided to build a temple there. Using his
mystical power, he cut a huge boulder in two and carved a Maitreya
Buddha on the surface. Today, that 20-feet-high stone Buddha is
the source of much wonder and reverence. Many go to visit it and
there are stories of people being cured of serious ailments after
praying. Behind the temple, there is a path that leads to Baegundae
and Insubong Peaks via Yong-ammun Gate. Opposite the temple is U-i
Sanjang, a mountain cottage. In front of the main building of the
temple stands a building called 'Hoguk Chamhaewon. Completed in
1977, it is the largest comprehensive Buddhist center in Korea equipped
with a projection room, a library, a faith counseling room and a
training hall.
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