Iljumun

Iljumun

The iljumun of Naesosa Temple, Buan County
Korean name
Hangul 일주문
Hanja
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

References

  1. 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.
  2. (English) The First Gate of the Temple, temple.pomosa.com. Access date: June 12, 2010.
  3. 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.