Great Master Nangwon 朗圓大師 834~930

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Great Master Master Nangwon Gaechung was from Gyeongju and his last name was Kim.

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His ancestors were of Silla's royal family, and his grandfather, Kim Su-jung, served as the governor of a royal inspector of Sangseo and Eosadae. His father, Kim Yu-geo also served as the governor of a province.

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One day, His mother dreamed that suddenly a divine priest came down from the heaven. Then the divine priest took out a golden stamp and a wooden stamp from his arms and asked, "Which one do you need?"

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The mother stared in silence, and the priest suddenly disappeared, leaving only the gooden stamp. After that, she became pregnant and built a temple to pray to Buddha, while keeping away from meat and any strong tasting food. Finally, the baby was born on April 15, 854. His face was like a full moon and his lips were red like lotus flowers.

At the age of 25, he received the Buddhist name, Gaechung from Ven. Junghaeng at Hwaeomsa Temple in Mt. Jiri and became a Bhikku at Umchunsa Temple in Jinju. He attained enlightenment during his pratice off meditation and reading the Tripitaka at Geumsan in Namhae, after that he reamained in Seon meditation for three years by himself. One day, an old man taught him the way to go to Gulsansa Temple to meet National Preceptor Bumil. Great Master Nangwon went there in order to meet National Preceptor Bumil.

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As if he was wating for a long time, National Preceptor Bumil asked him, "Why are you here so late? I have been waiting for you for a long time." and taught the Buddhist lesson. When his master was 90 years old, Great Master Nangwon taught Zen practice on behalf of National Preceptor Bumil. After his master entered nirvana in 889, Great Master Nagwon made the pagoda for his master and took charge of maintaining Gulsansa Temple.

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Mingyu Alchun who lived in Myeongju, built Boheonsa Temple and requested Master Nangwon to be the abott of Boheonsa. He thought Boheonsa was the best temple for Buddhist monks' studies and accommodation, so he paved the roads, and built pagoda and buildings. Many Buddhist priests came to Boheonsa Temple for their studies and recieved the teachings of Great Master Nangwon. King Gyeongae sent his envoys for ardaining Great Master Nangwon as a National Preceptor. However, Great Master Nangwon didn't have any interest in fame. He dedicated himself only in teaching the younger monks.

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In 930, he entered nirvana while sitting in meditation at Boheonsa Temple.