Acceptance of Buddhism in Shilla Dynasty and Martyrdom of Yi Cha Don

The acceptance of Buddhism in Shilla Dynasty was latest among countries, Back Jae ,Gogyryeo and Shilla.

As I had posted several times, people seemed to have resisted to accept Buddhism.

King wanted to accept Buddhism to enforce his political power.

In Korean history, the acceptance of Buddhism was a turning point from the chiefdom to the kingdom.

Shilla accepted Buddhism in 527 AD and there was a legend in acceptance of Buddhism.

In the center of the museum hall, there was a monument of pillar style.

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The monument was a record of martyrdom of Yi Cha Don for accepting Buddhism.

I heard this story when I was a middle school student. My history teacher explained the martyrdom of Yi Cha Don.

At that time everybody had resisted on acceptance of Buddhism.
People had refused to abandon their local faith.

King ordered Yi Cha Don to build a Buddhist temple. But the novels accused Yi Cha Don of building the temple. At that time king had not strong political power. King could not ignore the resistance of the novels and people.

Yi Cha Don at the age of 22 insisted to execute himself to prove the acceptance of Buddhism is right. So if there happened a miracle, Shilla would accept Buddhism as national religion.

When his head was cut off, the white milk like blood bursted out to the sky and the flower fell from the sky.

As looking at this miracle, it was said that the novels had agreed to accept Buddhism.

I saw this story in this monument

The head of Yi Cha Don

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The while milk like blood.

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The record was carved on the other side of the monument.

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It was first time for me to look at this monument. It was awesome to look at this monument with my eyes. This monument reminded me of my middle school teacher. She was really nice teacher.
She had always praised me in class.

Her care and love made me interest in history.

Thank you my dear teacher.

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