The Haeinsa Monastery
Haeinsa monastery is the main temple of the Korean Avatamsaka School (Hwaeom or Flower Garland School)
and the home of the Tripitaka Koreana. The Dharma Jewel Temple representing Korean Buddhism, Haeinsa
serves a spritual sanctuary for all Kreans and also a lamp of wisdom illuminating the entire country.
Haeinsa is one of the ten Avatamsaka monasteries established during the Silla Dynasty (BCE 57~CE 935).
The title was derived from the Avatamsaka Sutra: 'Haein Samadhi' referring to the state in which
our mind becomes free from all defilements and universal reality is reflected within.
Haeinsa was founded in 802 during the reign of King Aejang by Ven. Suneung and Yigeong
who were diciples of the great master Uisang, the founder of Korean Abatamsaka School.
There were many prestigious monks who stayed at this temple and delivered their tecchings.
For example, Ven. Huirang who assisted King Taejo, the founder of Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392),
National Master Daegak Euicheon who published The New Catalogue of Buddhist Sectarian Writings, and more recently,
Master Seongcheol who gained great popularity among Korean people with his famous phrase " A mountain is a mountain, water is water."
Since Haeinsa enshrined the Tripitaka Koreana in 1381, the seventh year of King Wu's reign during the Gorye Dynasty,
this monastery was under the protection of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) royal family and has become the representative monastery
of Korean Buddhism. Other than the Tripitaka Koreana, this time-homored temple preservesabout 70 Korean Treasures and National Treasures.
