Ichadon

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Ichadon (501-527), also known as Geochadon (거차돈) or by his courtesy name Yeomcheuk or Yeomdo, was a Buddhist monk and advisor to the Silla king Beopheung. Earlier in his reign Beopheung had desired to promulgate Buddhism as the state religion but officials in his court opposed him. In the fourteenth year of his reign Beopheung's "Grand Secretary," Ichadon, devised a strategy to overcome court opposition. Ichadon schemed with the king, convincing him to make a proclamation granting Buddhism official state sanction using the royal seal. Ichadon told the king to deny having made such a proclamation when the opposing officials received it and demanded an explanation. Instead, he (Ichadon) would confess and accept the punishment (his actions would certainly merit death) for what would quickly be seen as a forgery. Ich'adon prophesied to the king that at his execution a wonderful miracle would occur that would convince the opposing court faction of Buddhism's salient power. Ichadon's scheme went as planned and the opposing officials took the bait. When Ichadon was executed on the 15th day of the 9th month in 527, his prophesy was indeed fulfilled; the earth shook, the sun was darkened, beautiful flowers rained from the sky, his severed head flew to the sacred Geumgang mountains, and milk instead of blood sprayed 100 feet in the air from his beheaded corpse – all this a token of heaven's acceptance of his just martyrdom. The omen was accepted by the opposing court officials as a manifestation of heaven's approval, and Buddhism was made the state religion in 527 AD. Ichadon's body was then taken to the Geumgang mountains and respectfully buried there. His martyrdom led to the construction of Heungryun monastery, Silla's first state-sponsored temple.

[edit] See also

• Korean Buddhism
• Silla
• List of Koreans
• List of Korea-related topics