Il-yeon

Quick Facts: Who was Il-yeon?

Subject:

Il-yeon

Known for:

A preeminent Korean Buddhist monk and scholar during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Born:

1206

Died:

1289

Century / Era:

1206s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Il-yeon (Korean: 일연; 1206–1289), also spelled Iryeon, was a Korean Buddhist monk and All-Enlightened National Preceptor (보각국사; 普覺國師) during the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea. His birth name was either Kim Gyeong-myeong (金景明) or Jeon Gyeon-myeong (全見明), and his courtesy name was Hoe-yeon (晦然). He became a monk at the temple Muryangsa at the age of nine and passed the Seon national examination at 22.

Career & Major Achievements

At 54, he was given the rank of Great Teacher. When he was 78, King Chungnyeol offered him a position of rank and tried to make him National Preceptor, but Il-yeon declined. The king again appointed him National Preceptor, and Il-yeon came down to the capital Kaesong (then Gaegyeong) but soon returned to the mountains on the pretext that his aged mother was sick.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On the eighth day of the seventh month in 1289, he held a conference with various monks and then died. Il-yeon is known as a prolific writer, and according to the inscription on his tombstone, he wrote around 80 volumes on Buddhist topics. Today only one book of his survives: Samguk yusa, which is not mentioned in the inscription formally.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1206: Birth of Il-yeon — A preeminent Korean Buddhist monk and scholar during the Goryeo Dynasty.
2. 1289: Passing & Historical Legacy — Il-yeon passed away on 1289, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Il-yeon

True or False: “Il-yeon wrote approximately 80 volumes of Buddhist texts, all of which have survived to modern times.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Only one book, the Samguk yusa, is known to survive today, despite inscriptions suggesting around 80 volumes were written.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Il-yeon