Wonhyo
원효대사
BuddhistThree Kingdoms Period (617-686)
"Enlightened by a Skull, Unifier of Korean Buddhism"
✦ Personality Traits
✦ About
Wonhyo (617-686) was one of the greatest Buddhist masters in Korean history, famous for his spontaneous enlightenment experience and his efforts to harmonize different Buddhist schools. He represents the distinctive character of Korean Buddhism.
The most famous story tells of Wonhyo on a journey to China for study. Sleeping in a cave during a storm, he drank water from what he thought was a gourd. In the morning, he discovered it was a skull filled with rainwater. He was nauseated—but then realized: the water hadn't changed, only his perception. In that moment, he was enlightened.
Wonhyo returned home, declaring there was nothing to learn abroad that wasn't already within. He became known for breaking monastic rules to bring Buddhism to common people, even having a child with a princess. His philosophy of "harmonizing disputes" sought to unify all Buddhist teachings.
✦ Famous Story
After his skull enlightenment, Wonhyo became known as a 'mad monk' who danced through villages and sang dharma songs in marketplaces. He brought Buddhism out of the monasteries and into the streets, accessible to all.
✦ If You Match
You carry the unconventional wisdom of Wonhyo. There is a unifying, enlightened quality to your presence—the look of one who found truth in unexpected places.