Prayers Confirm That We Are Each Other’s Bodhisattva
Bomunsa Temple on Mt. Nakgasan in Ganghwa-do
Eunjeok | Freelance Wrter
These days, even wailing seems beyond our power. Even crying loudly is something that can be done if we have the strength left to carry on, a reason to live. When even crying becomes difficult, we can call upon Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Avalokitesvara perceives each and every pain of sentient beings. That’s why this bodhisattva is also called “The One who Observes the Sounds of the World.”
A 10-minute ride on a boat from Oepori Port in Ganghwa-eup takes you to the dock at Seongmodo Island. From there you can catch a bus or drive to the southwestern region of the island where Bomunsa Temple’s One Pillar Gate greets you warmly.
Once you pass the gate, the path suddenly becomes steeper, and your face is closer to the ground. At the top of this steep path and out of breath, the western region of Mt. Nakgasan (256 m) embraces you, like the bosom of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Before losing yourself in this sensation, you should turn around and look out to sea. Then you will understand why people believe that the Dharma body (and reward body) of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva dwells here. Korea has three temples with similar geographical features, and they are the three major Avalokitesvara prayer sites: Bomunsa on the West Sea, Boriam Hermitage on Mt. Geumsan near the South Sea, and Naksansa Temple on Mt. Obongsan near the East Sea.
There are no accurate records to tell us when or by whom Bomunsa Temple was built. One story passed down at the temple says it was founded by Ven. Hoejeong in 635 in the 4th year of the reign of Silla’s Queen Seondeok. Having finished his practice in Bodeok Cave on Mt. Geumgangsan, Hoejeong came here, established Bomunsa, and named the mountain it sits on “Nakga,” a shortened transliteration of “Potalaka,” the legendary mountain reputed to be the home of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
The name “Bomun” refers to the belief that “all Buddhas and bodhisattvas assume various forms to help sentient beings,” and at this temple we are in the presence of the form known as Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
“Good man! Even if innumerable sentient beings are tormented from all kinds of agony, if they rely on Avalokitesvara and call his/her name single-mindedly, Avalokitesvara will hear the call and liberate all from their agonies.” (quote from The Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Lotus Sutra)
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva said to Sudhana:
“When people think of me, call my name, or see my body, I will help them eradicate all suffering, to attain unsurpassed enlightenment, and never retreat or regress for eternity.” (quote from Entering the Dharma Realm, Flower Adornment Sutra)
Because we are not perfect, we rely on each other to gain strength to live in the world. Indeed to see Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva means to realize that “I am your bodhisattva, and you are my bodhisattva.” This must be our prayer, and that is why we keep coming back to Bomunsa Temple.
Photos | Uoo Tae-ha (Photographer)
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