| Title |
An Analysis of Seoc-kul-am Space System on a Mandala Figure Organization |
| Authors |
Kim Bue-Dyel ; Cho Jeong-Sik |
| Keywords |
Mandala ; Mandala order ; Figure ; Grid ; Seockulam(Seockbulsa) |
| Abstract |
Based on the assumption that the space structure of Seokbul-temple is deeply related to the iconographic system of Mandala, this study investigated the relation between Mandala and Seokbul-temple by comprehensively examining the iconographic factors of Mandala and the structural factors of Seokbul-temple. First, Mandala refers to the two-dimensional painting that expresses the doctrine of esoteric Buddhism based on the grid system. It starts from absolute order called grid and embodies various symbologies. Second, Seokbul-temple is composed of two separate Mandalas. Applying the core factors of Mandala, the grid system and symbology, to the overall structure of Seokbul-temple found that the two Mandalas, each of that represents a complete small universe, constitutes a complementary structural system in terms of contrasting relations, such as circle and square, and center and process. Third, in the circle-shaped latter space, the basic icons of Mandala, circles and triangles, form the symmetrical structure with a square being a boundary. At figures' crossing point stand bodhisattvas, disciples of Buddha, and the Bodhisattva of compassion surrounding Sakyamuni. The arrangement of Boddha and bodhisattvas follows the symmetrical, directional, and central features of the iconographic system of Mandala to secure the intensive concentration on Sakyamuni in the center and embody the perfect order of Mandala on earth. Fourth, the former space composed of the rectangle-shaped space and narrow corridor shows the features of separate Madara and the features of process space to central space. The former space with corridor, the square-shaped space based on 8×8 grid and strict module, strongly presents direction to the circle-shaped latter space. Especially, the grid system of Mandala and the Oriental Pythagorean theory of Silla are also applied to the former space, indicating that the constructor's intention to bestow both functionality and symbology to the former space. |