Muhak Chach'o
Muhak Chach'o (無學自超) [alt. Muhak (Hangul: 무학); Chach'o 自超] (1327–1405). A Korean Buddhist monk that lived during the transition between the Goryeo and the Joseon dynasties.[1]
- He is said to have entered the order at the age of eighteen, studying under the Seon master Soji 小止 and the national teachers Hyemyeong 慧明 and Beopjang 法藏. Later on, he traveled to Yanjing in Yuan China, where he met the famous Indian meditation teacher Zhikong 指空 and the Korean master Naong 懶翁, whose gong'an, Linji-oriented teachings he endeavored to transmit after returning to Korea.[2]
Muhak returned to Korea in 1356. When Naong returned two years later, Muhak continued his studies under him at the hermitage of Wŏnhyoam on Mt. Ch’ŏnsŏng.[1]
In 1392, shortly after the establishment of the Joseon dynasty, Muhak was invited to be the king’s personal instructor (wangsa) and given the title Venerable Myoŏm (Subtle Adornment).[1]
In 1393, Muhak assisted King Taejo in deciding on the location for the new capital in Hanyang (present-day Seoul).
According to a historical account dating from 14th century,[3] the king asked Muhak to find a site for the new capital. After searching for a suitable place, the monk stopped and saw an old farmer passing by on his ox. The farmer pointed toward the northwest and said to him, wangsimni (往十里), literally meaning 'go ten more ri.' The startled Muhak went to the northwest as he was told and ended up at the southern foot of Mt. Bugak, where Gyeongbokgung now stands.
Muhak's career reached its peak just before the full blossoming of the Neo-Confucian-led purge of Buddhism brought about severe structural changes in the Buddhist establishment. Because of these changes, Muhak would end up being Korean Buddhismʼs last National Teacher 國師.[2]
His most notable student was Kihwa (1376–1433).
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. Muhak Chach'o.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
自超, Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (to sign in, see DDB sign-in)
- ↑ Yoon 2008
Sources
Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University- Yoon, H.K. (2008). The Culture of Fengshui in Korea: An Exploration of East Asian Geomancy,. AsiaWorld Series. Lexington Books. ISBN 9780739113493.
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