Iljumun
| Iljumun | |
 The iljumun of Naesosa Temple, Buan County | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 일주문 |
| Hanja | 一柱門 |
| Revised Romanization | Iljumun |
| McCune–Reischauer | Iljumun |
Iljumun is the first gate at the entrance to many Korean Buddhist temples. Called the "One-Pillar Gate", because when viewed from the side the gate appears to be supported by a single pillar.
This symbolizes the one true path of enlightenment which supports the world.[1][2] It is the boundary between the Buddhist temple and a human's worldly life.[1] The gate symbolizes purification and one must leave all of their worldly desires before entering the temple.[1]
The oneness is also a metaphor for non-duality (unity) in spirit and heart.[3]
An image of an iljumun appears on the obverse of the Korean Service Medal.
See also
- Hongsalmun, secular portal
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 An Illustrated Guide to Korean Culture - 233 traditional key words. Seoul: Hakgojae Publishing Co. 2002. p. 187. ISBN 9788985846981.
- ↑ (English) The First Gate of the Temple, temple.pomosa.com. Access date: June 12, 2010.
- ↑ Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Korea Branch (1 January 1996). Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch. The Branch. p. 85. Retrieved 4 November 2011.