• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.43-54
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• 2022

Focusing on head temples in 25 parishes of Jogye Order, this study compared and analyzed the ancient literatures involved in the writing source of pillar tablets and the space layout drawings in order to examine awareness patterns of space in terms of contents of pillar tablets and Buddha and Bodhisattva enshrined in major temple sanctums in Korea. The research findings are briefed as follow: First, the different Buddhas enshrined in sanctums can be categorized and explained in accordance with their body(體), form(相) and use(用) based on Awakening of Mahayana Faith. In particular, Sakyamuni Buddha is for form(相), Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteśvara for use(用), and Vairocana Buddha for body(體). Second, the pillar tablets of main sanctums signify oath and thoughts of the enshrined Buddhas and Bodhisattvas focusing on main Buddhas and serving Buddhas. Third, the content of pillar tablets is to symbolize and signify Buddha land where main Buddhas are always existing as they are focusing on the enshrined main Buddhas. That is, such content is to praise for Buddha. Fourth, every sanctum pillar tablets of temples express the content of attaining spiritual enlightenment for the self-cultivating truth seekers and saving all sentient beings for main Buddhas who are saving human. That is, every space of temples are perceived as "escaping torment and achieving pleasure(避苦得樂)".