The Library (Changgyong-gak)
|
Behind the Main Hall , up a steep flight of granite steps are the Changgyong-gak. These are
the four buildings which house the Korean Tripitaka: two long buildings for the wood blocks
carved in 1251 , and two small buildings at either end and between the longer ones which
house the wood blocks used by the temple for printing; in many cases the latter blocks are
more recent.
|
|
The buildings were specially designed to protect the wood blocks from humidity and to
provide good ventilation, and as, to this day, the blocks are totally free of mold or any
insects (even spiders), the buildings are very important from an architectural point
of
view.
|
|
The ground of the buildings was specially prepared before construction was started. First
of all one of the reasons for choosing the site was because the soil itself was ideal. In order
to further improve it, charcoal, powdered lime and clay were added to control humidity.
During construction, the vents windows were designed in such a way as to provide prefect
airing.
|
|
In fact, just a few years ago, fearing that the wood blocks might be damaged, a new library
was constructed. Huge funds and a tremendous amount of expertise were poured into the
project and a magnificent building was raised. Carefully the wood blocks were moved and
placed in their new home. Within weeks, mold appeared and there was no choice but to shift
the blocks back to their original home. The abandoned "library" is now used as a meditation
hall.
|
To Koreana Tripitaka...