Photographed at Jogyesa Temple (조계사) in Seoul on May 4, 2025, during the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday (Seokga Tansinil; 석가탄신일), this ceremonial instrument is the Beopgo (법고, 法鼓), or “Dharma Drum”. During the celebration, the drum was struck by both local devotees and foreign visitors.
Traditionally made with cow and bull hide to symbolize Yin and Yang, its sound is considered an echo of Buddha’s teachings and is ritually intended to liberate beings in heaven and hell. The Beopgo belongs to the set of four sacred instruments (Samul; 사물) used in Korean Buddhist liturgy: the Beomjong (범종, 梵鐘) temple bell for beings living on Earth, the Beopgo for heaven and hell, the Mokeo (목어, 木魚) wooden fish for aquatic life, and the Unpan (운판, 雲판) cloud gong for beings of the sky.
Striking the drum three times is often interpreted as a symbolic homage to the Three Jewels (Sambo; 삼보): the Buddha (Bul; 불), the Teachings (Beop; 법), and the Community (Seung; 승). The practice of sounding these instruments together is meant to encompass all realms of existence, ensuring that no sentient being is left untouched by the Dharma. Even today, the resonant beating of the Beopgo can be heard in central Seoul, linking modern city life with centuries of Buddhist tradition.
Camera: Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i / Kiss X9i
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 54.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/100
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 125
Photo Taken: May 04, 2025
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