|
|
The FOO DOG, known as the Shismi Dog, is in reality a lion instead of a dog. The animal is prominent in the Buddhist Religion and widespread over the Far Eastern world, thus the Korean designation as "Lion of Korea." The Chinese also make reference to the animal calling it the "Dog of Fo," Fo, being the Chinese word for Buddha. Earliest traces of the animal show up in art form from the Han Dynasty dating from approximately 208 BC to 221 AD. The animal disappeared from use for the next 400 years, reappearing during the T'ang Dynasty, 618 to 917 AD.
The Shismi Dog is considered to be a fantastic animal and is usually the companion of Buddha. The animal is almost always shown with its paw on a sphere standing guard over the entrance to temples and tombs; thus discouraging evil spirits and wrong doers from entering, and maintaining peace and tranquility within the sanctuary.
|
|
network 
