Bujeok Korean Talisman Amulet
I've always been captivated by writing, drawing, calligraphy, and working with paper, so it was natural for me to be drawn to the art of bujeok talisman and amulet making.
When I first began my journey, my teacher informed me that it takes three years for a newly initiated shaman to cultivate enough ki energy to produce bujeok amulets. Diligently, I waited for my three-year milestone. However, the third year passed, and then the fourth, the fifth, the sixth and seventh. I later discovered that my teacher had misled me for less-than-noble reasons.
Hand-drawn bujeok amulets are highly emphasized, with many shamans and monks insisting that bujeoks are only powerful when its custom-drawn during a ritual. However, past relics and reveal that bujeoks were created using carved wooden block stamps in addition to hand drawn.
During a visit to the Museum of Korean Shamanism in Seoul, I met with the curator and museum educators. I was particularly captivated by the extensive collection of bujeok amulet stamps on display. These wooden stamps, intricately carved with traditional symbols and designs, piqued my interest. Intrigued by their past use, I inquired about the role these stamps played in the creation of bujeok amulets.
Museum of Korean Shamanism - Seoul, Korea
I cant recall exactly who said it but they said because Korean shamans are often women, in society norms women were barred from receiving formal education or learn to read and write. As a result, the wooden blocks might have been particularly helpful for them. Additionally, considering the importance of wooden blocks within Buddhist practices, these wooden bujeok blocks might have also been influenced by those traditions.
Bujeok amulets nowadays are very intricate, featuring different shapes, lines, symbols, and calligraphy. However, the bujeoks of the past were much simpler, crude and more rustic. They weren't as detailed because the focus was more on the energies they contained rather than their appearance. The bujeoks of today are beautiful, resembling art pieces in their own way. Their designs and craftsmanship make them visually stunning, blending traditional spiritual practices with artistic expression.
Hand Drawn Bujeok Amulet created in traditional ritual
Today, bujeoks come in many forms thanks to modernization. They are available in digital formats, through mass-produced prints, and as stamped versions. Some mudang shops even sell pre-drawn bujeoks for shamans who may not have the ability to create them by hand.
People hold different beliefs about what gives bujeok amulets their power. Some believe that the symbol and the intricate artistry are what imbue the amulet with its strength. Others believes that it's not about the appearance, but the energies and intentions behind the creation of the bujeok that matter most. Personally, I feel both aspects play a significant role. The visual symbols can act as focal points for energy, while the intentions and energies infused during the creation process are what truly empower the amulet. What are your thoughts?
