이 책은 문화관광부의 2003년 우수도서 번역 출판 지원을 받아 <사찰 장식, 그 빛나는 상징의 세계>를 영문으로 번역 출간한 것이다.

이 책은 부처님을 향한 종교적 염원과 옛 사람들의 미의식을 바탕으로 창조된 다양한 사찰 조형물과 장식문양의 상징 의미를 쉽고 친절하게 해석해주고 있다. 연꽃·용·귀면·사자·물고기 등의 형상으로 때로는 장엄하게, 때로는 익살스럽고 친근한 모습으로 사찰을 장식하고 있는 여러 문양과 조형물들의 종교적인 연원을 살펴보고 그 아름다움과 신비함의 비밀에 새롭게 접근해본다.

At large temple sites, there are usually small and large gatehouses from the main entrance to the temple building, with bells, pagodas, temples, images of Buddha and various decorative emblems seen here and there. Their purpose is not just limited to decorating the temple but they aspire to praise the virtuous deeds of Buddha and realize his ideal world filled with goodness and beauty in a sublime way.

This book explains the symbolic significance of varied temple ornaments and decorative emblems that were created from religious yearning towards Buddha and aesthetic sense of the past. It explores the religious yearnings found in varied emblems and ornaments which come in the form of lotus flower, dragon, turtle, lion, fish and so on and takes a fresh look at their beauty. These decorate the temples sometimes majestically and at other times, in a humorous and friendly way. Through the book, the reader can experience the yearnings of the worshippers who endeavored to unfold the world and teachings of Buddha through mysterious and beautiful paintings, sculpture and architecture.

Author’s Preface

Part 1_ The Symbolic World within the Decorative Patterns
Part 2_ The Dream of Sukhavati Gracing Buddha Halls
Part 3_ The Hidden Buddhist Truths in the World of Forms
Part 4_ The Buddha Realm Re-created on Earth

Addresses of Korean Temples
Glossary Index