The Goryeo Royal Family and Hyedeok Wangsa Sohyeon during the Middle Goryeo Period

Hyedeok Wangsa Sohyeon, a prominent monk during the mid-Goryeo period, held a close relationship with the royal family and led the Yuga sect of Buddhism. Under King Munjong, Sohyeon became a monk under the Yuga monk Haerin. As a member of the Inju Yi clan, he was a relative of the royal family. King Munjong ordained his sixth prince, Wangtaeng, under Sohyeon. With the patronage of King Munjong and his sister, Queen Inye, Sohyeon formed a close bond with the royal family by taking Prince Wangtaeng as his disciple. He was invited by the king to deliver a sermon at a royal court ceremony, praying for the safe return of the Song Dynasty envoy. This demonstrated his involvement in politically and diplomatically significant royal events. During King Seonjong's reign, Sohyeon received a personal letter and a Maitreya Buddha painting from the king. He soon received the rank of Seungtong and became the abbot of Hyeonhwa Temple, leading the Yuga sect. He was invited by the king to preach at court ceremonies. Earlier, while serving as the abbot of Geumsan Temple, he constructed Gwanggyowon, a sub-temple within Geumsan, where he edited books on the Yogacara philosophy, a central doctrine of the Yuga sect. This work was closely tied to the royal-sponsored project of compiling and publishing commentaries on Buddhist scriptures. Sohyeon actively collaborated in this project, working alongside figures like Uicheon to disseminate Buddhist teachings. When King Sukjong ascended the throne, Sohyeon delivered a lecture on the Inwang Sutra at the palace, praying for the well-being of the nation and the royal family. Upon Sohyeon's passing, King Sukjong bestowed upon him the posthumous title of royal preceptor and ordered a state funeral. King Yejong further honored Sohyeon by erecting a stele at Geumsan Temple, commemorating his achievements. During Sohyeon's lifetime, the Yuga sect reached its zenith. His ability to expand the sect's influence and undertake numerous Buddhist projects, such as temple construction and publication, was largely due to the support of the Inju Yi clan and the royal family. The Goryeo royal family, in turn, hoped that by supporting Sohyeon and the Yuga sect, they would secure the sect's allegiance.