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 This Buddha was carved into the western slopes of Namsan in Kyongju,
(South) Korea centuries before the birth of the Priest Wonho.It is likely
that the wondering Buddhist would have meditated here both before and after his adventures as an aide to Admiral
Yi Sun-Sin.
Of the Priest Wonho It is absolutely
true that Admiral Yi Sun-Sin is one of the top two naval commanders of all time. He is Korea's ultimate hero,
and his superior qualities as a warrior were singled out by both allies and enemies.
However, this book was only
made possible by the Priest Wonho. This previously unknown Buddhist wrote his scrolls about his surprising
times with the savior of his country,. The abbot of Sudok Temple will never know how much we owe him for having asked Wonho
to do so.
Rather than describe the Priest Wonho here it seems much better to let the book do it,
or readers in Blogs and reviewers in their critiques. His essence is hard to define. It is difficult now even to prove his
actual existence. His scrolls are the only proof he even lived, and some doubt even their authenticity.
Yet the
facts given in his book are real. This is proven by Admiral Yi's own Memorials To Court,
his War Diary, the biography of him by his nephew, Yi Pun, and every other source.
This "historical novel" is as accurate as could be on almost every historical point touched upon, which could be
the most real "proof" anyone could need regarding
The Priest Wonho's
Memories of Admiral Yi
by M. F. Sawyer
is available
here
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