The Birth of Buddhism in the Jeolla Region
Many people believe that Korean Buddhism came from China, but that is not entirely true, at least in the Jeolla region. Before Korea was united by Goryeo, it was divided into three countries: Goguryeo, Shilla, and Baekje, wherein Jeolla is currently situated. While Goguryeo imported its Buddhism from China and Shilla later received Buddhism from Goguryeo, Baekje directly accepted Buddhism from India along with its unique culture.
Marinanta, The Ancient Monk
Buddhism was first introduced to Baekje through the Indian monk Marinanta. Originally from the Gandara region, Marinanta was born in the highest caste of Brahman. Although his class standing guaranteed him success in his life, he ultimately chose to become a monk in order to spread the virtue of Buddhism. He crossed the Silk Road to China and took a ship to reach Baekje. It took about ten years to reach Baekje from Gandara, but Marinanta was ultimately rewarded when the king helped him to build Baekje’s first temple, Bulgap Temple. The harbor town at which Marinanta landed still remembers this historical event. People of Baekje originally called this place “Amupo” after the statue of Amitabha, a kind of Buddha, that the Indian monk brought. Now it is called Beopseong Po, which means “the holy harbor where Buddhism was introduced by a saint.”
The Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism
The birthplace of Baekje Buddhism in Beopseong Po, Yeong Gwang is the place where Marinanta first stepped ashore in Baekje. Therefore, its monuments reflect the building structures of Marinanta’s hometown, the culturally rich Gandara. The central plaza of the birthplace, for example, was built to symbolize the Buddhist painting Mandara. Placing Buddha in the middle, Buddhist saints on four sides, Buddhist gods on eight sides, and four Devas on the four entrances of the painting, Mandara visualizes the world of Buddhism that is both united and diversified. Following the structural beauty of Mandara, the central plaza placed a linden tree in the middle to celebrate the birth of Baekje Buddhism. This particular tree is an important symbol in Buddhism because Buddha gained his Enlightenment under the linden tree.
Other monuments also reflect the Gandara architectural style. The great four-sided statue of Buddha follows the unique structure of a Gandara stone cave temple with the main Buddha on the front side, Marinanta on the opposite side, and two Buddhist saints on the other sides. Beneath the statue of Buddha is a complex two-story building called Bu Yong Ru. The first floor contains stone walls that depict the stories of Buddha’s life and previous lives in 23 sides, and the second floor houses the wooden statue of Buddha.
The effect of Buddhism in Baekje was strong both culturally and politically. While teaching virtue and forgiveness, the main themes of the religion, Buddhism introduced a new culture to the people of Baekje that helped them develop their own, unique style of art and architecture. Eventually Baekje started to affect its neighbors, even being the first to introduce Buddhism to Japan. Considering the historical importance of Buddhism in Korea, the birthplace of Baekje Buddhism in Beopseong Po is worth a visit.