Samul’s Importance

The Four Dharmic Instruments

In Seon Buddhism, the Samul, or the four dharmic instruments, are Beomjong (temple bell), Beopgo (big drum), Mokeo (wooden fish), and Unpan (cloud gong). Each of these instruments are used by monks to liberate themselves and all sentient beings. Below this section, there is a link to hear all four instruments.

Beomjong

Beomjong is the Korean Buddhist temple bells, which rings every dawn to wake up monks. The myth behind the beomjong is that with 28 bells tolls at dawn, it will bring enlightenment to all those who hear it.¹ The sound of these bell tolls are able to reach hell and announce that to banish a lifetime of pain and start their journey to enlightenment, they have to first empty and open up their hearts to the universe. The lingering sound of the bell brings a moment of peace to the mind and body, allowing those who hear it to repent and be able to open their heart. There is even a belief that by hearing the bell, it will bring salvation to those who are suffering in hell, by letting the sound bring them to paradise. All of these myths and beliefs highlight the bell’s importance in the rituals of Korean Buddhism. When the bell tolls 33 times, it represents the 33 celestial worlds of the Buddhist realms, and 108 tolls to help all sentient beings to be relieved from any delusions and other evils.²

Beopgo

The Beopgo usually comes after the ringing of the Beomjong, and is seen as an echo of the teachings of the Buddha and of Dharma. The Beopgo indicates important ceremonies and meetings within the temple. The myth about the Beopgo, similar to the Beomjong, is that its sound reaches and affects the spirits of hell and heaven and is supposed to relieve people of their anguish.³ The playing of the Beopgo is often done with more energy than the Beomjong. The reader can see this difference by using the link. 

The materials that make up the small drum are of wood and leather hides. The idea of yin and yang is used since on one side there is bull hide (masculine energy) and on the other side there is cow hide (feminine energy), representing the harmony of cosmic forces.⁴

Mokeo

The mokeo, or the wooden fish, has a unique meaning: Buddhist should always be aware at all times, just like how fish always have their eyes open. Another meaning to the fish design is that a fish can swim through water unconstricted and free. Historically, large bodies of water (such as lakes, wide rivers, seas, the ocean, etc) were seen as obstacles. Specifically, the ocean was symbolic as it represented the challenges people faced before going to the Western paradise.

An interesting story connecting to the origins of mokeo is about a new monk that did not want to follow his master’s instructions. When he died, he was reborn as a fish with a log on his back, so he would be punished for not listening to his teacher. One day, his master was crossing the sea, and saw this fish, who he knew was his old student. This master performed a ritual, called “rite of water and land”, which freed the fish from his pain. At this moment, his former student repented, and the log was carved into a wooden fish. This wooden fish became a moktak, or a hand-held wooden bell, to warn others to remain on the path of dharma, and to not go against it. 

Recently, the design of the mokeo has become more dragon-like, some even having pearls in its mouth. The fish becoming a dragon is supposed to symbolize freedom from all obstacles and restraints. 

Just like the other two instruments prior, this mokeo is also used to gather temple members for a meal, as well as for temple ceremonies and events.⁵

Unpan

The unpan is made of bronze or iron, in the shape of a cloud. On the gong, there is an image of the Buddha or a sutra inscribed on it. Often, there is also a symbol of the moon and sun each on different sides of the gong. The sound of the unpan is supposed to help ghosts find paradise and go for their rebirth into the world.⁶ In more regular uses, just like the rest of the dharmic instruments, it is used for more regular means. It can be used to gather members, announce meals, and most importantly announce morning and evening worship. The sound of the gong spreads compassion and love to all who hear it, including the beings in the sky.⁷