TITLE: The path leading to Chilburam

The people of Shilla in its 8th century carved lots of Buddhas in Namsan, Gyeongju, which was the capital of the dynasty. They believed the Buddhas carved on hard granites would be everlasting. However, Gyeongju was gradually forgotten with the new dynasty of Goryeo of which capital city was Gaegyeong. In 14th century, as Joseon dynasty was founded and Confucianism was designated the official state religion, Buddhist culture fell into a decline. In 20th century, the spirit of Shilla became to be excavated. Though they believe there had been a Buddhist temple around Chilburam Hermitage which has seven rock-carved Buddhas, there are rocks left in the area. There are still lots of granites in the path to Chilburam. Once, they would have been examined by a stonemason of Shilla. A rock got a name by meeting Geist, while Geist got a body by meeting a rock. That sacred bodies are still listening to the prayers by lots of visitors today, too. There is no past. There is only present time which is entangled with many, many, innumerable conditions.

AUTHOR: NamHo Kim (Korea, Republic of)