[Treasure] Rock-carved Buddhas of Sinseon Temple

Name: Rock-carved Buddhas of Sinseon Temple in Danseoksan Mountain, Gyeongju

Period: Silla (57 B.C. to A.D. 935)

Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang

Status: National Treasure No. 199

The huge stone wall in the middle of Danseok Mountain, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, forms a chamber.

Originally, it was made as a stone for Buddhist punishment.

Ten Bodhisattva and Buddha images are carved on the walls of the stone cavern.

In addition to these, there is a carving of a standing Bodhisattva that measures 8.2 meters high (27 feet), on another rock to the northeast.

Its round face wears a benign smile with a twofold small protrusion above its head.

The robe, gently covering both of the shoulders has U-shaped folds.

Its right hand with palm facing the front is raised up to the shoulders, with the tip of the left hand also facing the front but reaching down to the ground.

A 6-meter high Bodhisattva image is carved on the eastern surface of the rock.

Its left hand is rested on the chest, with the right hand holding a treasure bottle in front of the body.

Although it was not clear whether a Bodhisattva was carved on the northern surface of the rock, because it was seriously worn away, this Bodhisattva in a combination with two other Bodhisattvas presented a triad.

On the east side of this Bodhisattva, 400 women wrote a passage which reads 'We carved a Maitreya Bodhisattva and two wise men in Sinseon Mountain.' On the northern surface of the rock, 7 Buddha statues, Bodhisattva and a portrait were delicately carved.

Beyond that, a standing Buddha, a standing Bodhisattva, a standing Buddha and a half-seated Bodhisattva pensive are placed in order from the left.

Except for the Bodhisattva with a pensive look, they’re posted a unique posture with their left hands pointing to the east as if they’re trying to guide you to the principle Bodhisattva.

At the bottom, two worshippers of Buddha are carved — one is a monk and one is wearing a hat shaped like a Korean sock.

They offer important information to learn the style of Silla people.