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

The Sangwonsa Temple was re-built by King Sejo of Joseon Dynasty as his wonchal(願刹) in 1456~66 through the suggestion of Ven. Sinmi(信眉) and Ven. Hagyeol(學悅). The completion ceremony was held on intercalary month to March 17, 1466 by lunar calendar in Sangwonsa. To participate in the ceremony, King Sejo made a trip to Gangwon-do Province. In this process, he experienced several Buddhist Siniyeongeungs (spiritual miracles) in Mt. Geumgangsan and Mt. Odaesan and left myths about the miracles. It is extraordinary that King Sejo experienced diverse Siniyeongeungs in the two Buddhist holy mountains during the relatively short period. Of course, there are simple mythical aspects in the stories, but the clear judgement is not easy because some were recorded even in Sejo Sillok (世祖實錄, Annals of King Sejo). This paper has the purpose to review the symbolic implications in such Siniyeongeung stories. First, in Chapter II, the implication of the Siniyeongeung that King Sejo experienced in Mt. Geumgangsan was examined. Especially, the record that he met Dharmodgata(曇無竭菩薩) face to face was reviewed from the view point that it is very similar to the story of Wanggeon(王建), the founder of Goryeo Dynasty, who had met Dharmodgata in person. Through this, we can surmise that they might have tried to show the Buddhist validity for the kingship of the new Dynasty. Next, in Chapter Ⅲ, the myth about Sangwonsa was reviewed in relation with King Sejo. This story also seems to have the intention to justify the usurpation of King Sejo who was a Buddhist. In summary, the Siniyeongeungs that King Sejo experienced during his visit to Gangwon-do have the coherent intention to justify his kingship from the Buddhist view point