Special exhibition to bring together 3 Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statues from Seonunsa Temple

▲ This photo provided by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Buddhist Central Museum shows the gilt-bronze seated statue from Jijangbogung Hall. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 16 (Yonhap) -- A special exhibition showcasing major Buddhist cultural heritage from North Jeolla Province, including three Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statues from Seonunsa Temple, will open in Seoul.

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’s Buddhist Central Museum and Seonunsa Temple said Thursday they will jointly hold the special exhibition "Mt. Dosolsan Seonunsa – Entering Zen and Resting in the Clouds" from April 22 to July 31 at the museum’s main exhibition hall in Jongno District. An opening ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on April 21 at the Korean Traditional Culture Performance Hall.

Located on Mount Dosolsan in Gochang, Seonunsa Temple was founded in 577 during the Baekje Kingdom by the monk Geomdan and has since served as a key center of Buddhist practice and faith in the North Jeolla region. It is currently the head temple of the Jogye Order’s 24th district.

The exhibition will feature 157 cultural artifacts from Seonunsa and major temples in the region. The items include collections from Seonunsa and its affiliated temples, as well as artifacts on loan from temples and institutions such as Songgwangsa Temple, Yongmunsa Temple, Buramsa Temple, Dongguk University’s museum and library, and the Horim Museum.

A highlight of the exhibition is the rare display of Seonunsa’s three treasured Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statues, often referred to as a “sacred site” of Ksitigarbha devotion. The gilt-bronze seated statue from Jijangbogung Hall, the stone seated statue from Chamdangam Hermitage and the gilt-bronze seated statue from Naewongung Hall at Dosolam Hermitage will be shown together for the first time since the temple’s founding.

▲ This photo provided by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Buddhist Central Museum shows the gilt-bronze seated statue from Naewongung Hall at Dosolam Hermitage. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

The Buddhist Central Museum described the gathering as “a historic and deeply meaningful occasion,” noting that the three statues, which have been venerated in separate sacred spaces, will now be encountered together in a museum setting in central Seoul.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is known for a vow not to attain Buddhahood until all beings in hell are saved.

The museum said the exhibition goes beyond a display of historical artifacts to serve as a space for timeless communication, adding that the bodhisattva’s compassion may offer comfort and insight to people living in challenging times.

▲ This photo provided by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Buddhist Central Museum shows the stone seated statue from Chamdangam Hermitage. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Among the exhibits, the gilt-bronze seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue from Seonunsa is also known for its dramatic recovery story. Illegally taken to Japan in 1936 during the Japanese colonial period, it was said to have appeared in the thieves’ dreams to admonish them. After suffering misfortune, the thieves eventually turned themselves in to police two years later. Monks from Seonunsa later traveled to Hiroshima to retrieve the statue.

Visitors will also be able to see the national treasure bronze bell from Naesosa Temple.

A Buddhist cultural lecture program introducing the heritage of Seonunsa is scheduled for June, the organizers said.

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