Uicheon

Uicheon (28 September 1055 – 5 October 1101) was a Korean prince and influential Buddhist scholar-monk of the Goryeo period (918–1392). He was the fourth son of King Munjong (1046–1083) and Queen Inye from the Gyeongwon Yi clan and the younger brother of Sunjong, Seonjong, and Sukjong.

Overview At age 11, Uicheon volunteered to become a Buddhist monk. In 1065, he studied at the Yeongtong Temple under Buddhist monk Nanwon who was his maternal relative and studied the Buddhist and Confucian canons. He is also known for introducing the works of the Cheontae school to Korean Buddhism. He was also known by the title Daegak Guksa (大覺國師, "State Preceptor Great Awakening").

Uicheon's reputation eventually reached China, and he eventually was patronized by Chinese Emperor Zhezong. Uicheon and his party eventually visited the Song Dynasty capital and met with Emperor Zhezong. Subsequently, they visited several prominent monasteries such as Jingyuan Monastery (淨源寺) and Yanglian Monastery (懹璉寺), where they engaged in discussions with over 50 eminent monks. Uicheon made many connections with Chinese masters during this time, particularly with scholars of the Huayan tradition such as Jinshui Jingyuan (靜源, 1011–1088) with whom he continued to exchange letters after returning to Korea. Jingyuan also sent Uicheon Huayan texts.

In his later life, Uicheon continued his long distance engagement with Song Dynasty scholars while also teaching Korean disciples. His legacy includes compilations such as "New Compilation of the Teachings of the Seon Sect" , and "Songs and Trees of the Stone Garden" , among others.

Works Sinpyeonjejonggyojangchongnok vol. 3 Sinjipwonjongmullyu vol. 22 Seokwonsarim vol. 250 Daegakguksamunjib vol. 23 of deeds and poems Daegakguksawoejip vol. 13 Ganjeongseongyusiknondangwa vol. 3 Cheontaesagyouiju vol. 3