‘더러움과 깨끗함’을 모티프로 한 <원효 설화>의 불교사상적 이해

Abstract

"The concepts of purity and impurity are recurring themes in various folktales associated with Wonhyo, capturing the attention of scholars. These themes are central to his interpretations of the Daesung Gisinron and Geumgang Sammaekyung, two of his most renowned scriptures. By examining the relationship between these narratives and his philosophical works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of Wonhyo's literature and thought. Furthermore, we can see how these folktales and their underlying philosophies aligned with the aspirations of Silla society during his time. A widely known tale of Wonhyo, the 'skull water' story, offers a prime example of how his philosophy on purity and impurity can be understood. The narrative, in which Wonhyo drinks from a skull in darkness and attains enlightenment, can be interpreted as an allegory for the stages of enlightenment—bulgak (unawareness), sigak (initial awakening), and bongak (perfect enlightenment)—as described in the Daesung Gisinron. The denial of duality, such as purity and impurity, forms the bedrock of Wonhyo's philosophy and is manifested in various ways within these folktales. These narratives suggest that both Buddhas and sentient beings transcend the distinctions of purity and impurity, realizing the unity of duality(二門一心). Moreover, these stories resonate with the socio-political landscape of Silla, a period marked by the transition from a pure-blooded aristocracy to a society led by the Jingol(진골) lineage, exemplified by figures like Kim Chun-chu and Kim Yu-shin. The decline of the aristocratic Buddhism championed by JajangYulsa, symbolized by his untimely death, and the rise of Wonhyo's popular Buddhism align with this broader historical shift. This suggests that Wonhyo's ideas, which transcend distinctions such as self and other, purity and impurity, resonated with the zeitgeist of a nation moving towards unification. The recurrent motif of purity and impurity as one within Wonhyo's folktales indicates that the populace who created and transmitted these stories understood and embraced this philosophy. Even without delving into the complexities of Wonhyo's writings, the people had a clear grasp of his role and the significance of his teachings. Indeed, Wonhyo's works themselves provide a logical framework that posits the unity of seemingly dualistic concepts such as existence and non-existence, permanence and impermanence. This was not solely Wonhyo's achievement but rather the culmination of the efforts of a group of monks, including Hyegong, Hyeseok, Daean, and Sabok, who were deeply connected with the people. While Wonhyo's folktales are works of fiction, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of contemporary reality and the pursuit of transcendent truth. They serve as a prime example of how literature, philosophy, and history can converge into a unified narrative.