An ancient Buddha statue measuring 1.7 meters in height was unearthed at an archaeological site in Yakjon-ri, South Pyongan Province, North Korea, according to Popular Mechanics. The discovery provides insights into North Korea's cultural and spiritual past, potentially transforming our understanding of Buddhist history in East Asia.
Archaeological surveys and excavations revealed historical relics, including the large Buddha statue dating back to the early years of the Goryeo period (CE 918–1392). The Goryeo dynasty, established in 918 CE, is renowned for its flourishing Buddhist art and architecture, supported by royalty and wealthy patrons. The statue is believed to have been created during Buddhism's Golden Age in Korea.
"An invaluable treasure reflecting the wisdom of ancestors and the understanding of elegant art," is how the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the Buddha statue, as reported by HeritageDaily. The statue, found in the heart of the Yakjon-ri archaeological site, is an image of Amitābha Buddha. Ceramic and tile finds at the site confirm that the artwork dates back to the early 10th century.
While the tiles have not yet been shown to the public, they may be similar to tile fragments found at the site of a Goryeo temple in North Jeolla Province, adding to the excitement surrounding the discovery. The position of the statue's hands, typical of Mahayana Buddhism, confirms its belonging to this branch of Buddhism. Though the statue's face was worn away over time, its hands' posture and other fine details reveal its identity.
Amitābha Buddha is a prominent figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered for his promise of rebirth in the Sukhavati paradise, a place free from earthly distractions. This paradise, known as the Pure Land of Amitābha Buddha, is depicted as a realm where demigods dwell, trees are always flowering, and lotus flowers bloom in pools where purified souls are reborn.
The Goryeo period is considered a "Golden Age of Buddhism," with the state religion playing a central role in the kingdom's cultural and political life. The Korean aristocracy, who financed Buddhist projects, aimed to reinforce their own legitimacy and offer the population a spiritual refuge in the face of environmental upheaval. Despite severe climatic challenges, including fluctuations between violent storms and droughts, the dynasty saw the emergence of a rich cultural tradition, prompting rulers to adopt a religious lifestyle.
Rituals were carried out, and prayers were spoken to the heavens with the hope of a change in the climate. The recently discovered statue of Amitābha Buddha embodies the symbolism of infinite light, a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, and underlines the importance of Buddhist art as a response to the environmental hardships of the time.
Amitābha is often depicted alongside two assistant bodhisattvas: Avalokiteśvara on the right and Mahāsthāmaprāpta on the left. This grouping forms what is known as the "Amitābha Triad," which became especially prominent in the artistic traditions of China, Japan, and Korea. However, the absence of these bodhisattvas in some representations, including the one recently found, puzzles scholars and could reflect an interpretation or local adaptation of beliefs during the Goryeo dynasty.
Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism are beings who have reached the highest level of enlightenment but refrain from entering nirvana to save others from suffering. They are considered deities and play a role in Buddhist teachings and iconography.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.