Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

This study examines the bhikkhuni temples at Geumgang Mountain and the activities of the main bhikkhunis at Geumgang Mountain during the late Joseon Dynasty, based on a database containing the list of bhikkhunis recorded in Yujeomsabonmalsaji.
A total of 158 bhikkhunis (excluding duplicate names) are listed in Yujeomsabonmalsaji, of which 136 were active during the Joseon Dynasty. One person was active in the 17th century, six people in the 18th century, 52 people in the 19th century, and 77 people in the 20th century.
The characteristics of the bhikkhuni hermitage and bhikkhuni activities, as shown in “Yujeomsa Bonmalsaji,” can be summarized in five ways. First, among the Bonmalsa Temple and annexed hermitages of Yujeomsa Temple, there were a total of nine hermitages where bhikkhunis lived, and most of these hermitages were built under the leadership of bhikkhunis in the early 19th to early 20th centuries. Second, bhikkhunis served as supporters or founders of agency temples and performance sites, as well as the bhikkhuni hermitages. Third, the composition of the building of the bhikkhuni hermitages was arranged around Yosa, and it seems that housing and practice were carried out together in Yosa. Fourth, the chief monk of a bhikkhuni hermitage was also the chief monk of an agency temple. Fifth, even if they belonged to a temple, they were classified as separate literary groups.
Through these records, it is possible to confirm the historical fact that the practice culture of bhikkhunis continued at Geumgang Mountain, and that bhikkhunis were one of the pillars of the operation of the temples at Geumgang Mountain.