Tosŏn

Korean Buddhist monk TosŏnPortrait of Tosŏn Guksa in Seonamsa TempleKorean nameHangul도선 국사Hanja道詵 國師RRDoseon guksaMRTosŏn kuksa Tosŏn Kuksa (Korean: 도선 국사; Hanja: 道詵 國師; 826-898), also known as Yogong Sŏnsa, Yŏn'gi Tosŏn, was a Korean Buddhist monk who lived during the decline of the Silla Dynasty, just prior to the foundation of the Goryeo Dynasty. At least 70 temples, monasteries and hermitages are claimed to have been founded either under Tosŏn's supervision and direction, or by orders of Taejo of Goryeo following Tosŏn's recommendations. Tosŏn Kuksa is one of the Silla Dynasty's most well-known and oft-cited figures, remaining extremely influential throughout the remainder of Korean history up to the present. Childhood Tosŏn Kuksa came from the Gurim Village in Gunseomyeon District of Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, on the western slopes of Wolchulsan. Although Tosŏn's family name was Kim, records indicate there was a rumor that Tosŏn was a descendant of the Silla Dynasty's Great King Taejong Muyeol.[citation needed] Legend has it Tosŏn's mother had a conception-dream where she swallowed a beautiful pearl (a symbol of pure wi