조선시대 梵鐘을 통해 본 梵字

Abstract

This study examined the time aspect and changes of Sanskrit regarding its background of appearance and the meaning of the words of Buddha and Sanskrit focusing on Sanskrit expressed in the Buddhist temple bell. Although Sanskrit during the Goryo Dynasty was influenced by faith in the words of Buddha and a wide range of a mystic Buddhist formula and mandala, it rather was used as a pattern than a symbolic meaning. The broad use of Sanskrit(Om Mani Padeume Hum, Om Katateya Shaba) in the Buddhist temple bell during the Joseon Dynasty can be identified with faith in the words of Buddha among the royal family in the beginning of the period. With the royal family who favored faith in the words of Buddha, the words of Buddha was represented in the sublime elements of the royal households by varying faiths in the words of Buddha. In the 15th century, Sanskrit was described centering around faith in Kwan-yin in the royal Buddhist temple bells. It was also assumed based on unique Siddham Sanskrit and the manufacturing method of the royal Buddhist temple bells that the buddhist bells, presumably the royal Buddhist temple bells, could have been cast in a bell foundry, a royal institute to produce a buddhist bell for the royal family. With the beginning of the 16th century, a variety of Sanskrit design has appeared among the Monk Bell master along with the tendency of simply schematized ‘om’ in combination. Sanskrit was expressed based on Siddham in the late Joseon period. In case of Yangcheonmok and Cheonbogye, the Monk Bell master used Siddham Sanskrit which inherited the royal Buddhist temple bells and introduced such new Sanskrit as Lan tsha. Later, Jukchang and Jeongwoogye used Sanskrit creatively as an ancient pattern. As it reached Saingye, it showed its creativity while succeeding the previous qualities, which lasted until 18th century Saingye. The Private Bell master in the 17th century attempted unusual Sanskrit by affiliation, However, simplified schematization of Sanskrit after the 18th century was attempted by the Private Bell master earlier than the Monk Bell master did. It is significant that Sanskrit represented in the Buddhist temple bells during the Joseon Dynasty is highly valuable for its symbolic meaning and style changed over time.