▲ Chilbul Temple / Chief Monk Doeung

Chilbul Temple of the Jogye Order is nestled 800 meter above sea level below Banya Peak of Jiri Mountain. A story goes that the 7 princes of the King Kim Su-ro of Gaya Kingdom built a small temple here and attained Buddhahood. 
“Chilbul Temple is No.144 cultural asset of South Gyeongsang Province. It has cultivated many renowned monks and is also famous for tea ceremony. A story goes that ‘youngji’ in the temple was made to see faces of the 7 princes” explains the chief monk Doeung.
According to Okryongjakeol written by the great monk Doseon, Chilbul Temple is one of the best spots based on geomancy. It has gone through number of burn-downs and re-built and modelings and the current temple was shaped by monk Jewoltonggwang through 15 years of time from 1978. 
A record reads that Chilbul Temple is the cradle spot of Gaya Buddhism. Jiri Mountain where Chilbul Temple is nestled is known to the residence of the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Banya Peak symbolizes the great wisdom of the Bodhisattva and it is said that those who pray at Chilbul Temple can have their wishes fulfilled. 
Ajabang and Unsangsunwon of Chilbul Temple have many tales to tell through which many renowned monks were cultivated. Ajabang is where monks meditate and it was built by monk Damgong during the reign of the King Hyogong of Silla. A story goes that once fired up the floor from underneath furnace, the heat lasted up to 100 days. Unsangsunwon, on the other hand, is also known as okbodae following the monk Jangyu-bo-ok-sunsa. Another story goes that it comes from the zither player Okbogo. Today, it is used as a lecture hall.
The chief monk Doeung said “My teacher Tonggwang emphasized the importance of taking initiative and putting oneself in someone else’s shoes. With these two great virtues, we can open the gate of truth. When can experience heaven if we don’t have likes and dislikes. Wherever we are, therefore, it is important for us to be in balance and humble. There is no good way in our life. The good way is the way each of us makes through. And this is but the teachings of Buddha.”