Mitaam (Yangsan)

* Mitaam, a Cave Temple Built in a Natural Cave *<br /><br />Mitaam is a branch temple of Tongdosa, the head temple of the 15th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Cheonseongsan Mountain in Ungsang-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. It is said to have been founded by Master Wonhyo in 646 (the 15th year of Queen Seondeok) and is considered one of the 89 hermitages he established. It was rebuilt by Master Jigong in 920 (the 4th year of King Gyeongmyeong), rebuilt again in 1376 (the 2nd year of King U), and rebuilt once more by Jeongjin in 1888 (the 25th year of King Gojong of Joseon). During the late Joseon period, Hyemyeong (1861–1937), a disciple of Gyeongheo who revived Korean Seon thought, resided here, and his stele remains today. Mitaam is a cave temple created by adding artificial elements to a natural cave. Existing buildings include Daeungjeon Hall, Sansingak Shrine, and Yosachae (monks' quarters), and Daeungjeon Hall houses a stone standing statue of Amitabha Buddha.<br /><br />* Mitaam's Main Treasure, the Amitabha Buddha *<br /><br />In the section "Five Bhikkhus of Pocheonsan" of the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), there is a tale that five bhikkhus, by reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha while practicing in a cave on Pocheonsan, attained enlightenment and went to the Pure Land. This cave on Pocheonsan is presumed to be the current Mitagul Cave. Additionally, there is an anecdote that the Amitabha Buddha enshrined inside the cave was placed there because, when the queen of King Munseong of Silla fell ill, it was said that enshrining the Buddha in the cave and praying would cure her illness.<br /><br />This statue is notable for its resemblance to the National Treasure Seokjo Amitabha Yeorae Ipsang (Stone Standing Amitabha Buddha Statue) from Gamsansa Temple, created in 719, and is designated as a Treasure for its outstanding stone artistry from the Unified Silla period. Furthermore, Mitagul Cave not only enshrines a Silla Buddha statue but also existed during the reign of King Gyeongdeok, the period when Seokguram Grotto was established, earning it the nickname "Yangsan's Seokguram." Thus, Mitaam is a Amitabha sanctuary centered around Mitagul Cave, with later additions of a main hall and other buildings to form its current appearance. In modern times, many eminent monks have passed through here for ascetic practice and devotion, and today it continues to serve as a place for Avalokiteshvara prayer, attracting both monks and lay devotees.