율장의 수계법에 근거한 가(假)수계 제도의 적절성 논의

Abstract

This paper examines the appropriateness of the system of ‘Gasugye假受戒’, which has recently been reviewed by the Jogye order(Daehan Bulgyo Jogye Jong 大韓佛教曹溪宗) for its feasibility, by comparing it with the provisions of the Vinayapiṭaka’s ordination law. This system emerged as a solution to the decline in the number of monks. It is difficult to make clear definition as it is currently in the review stage, but it seems that it can be defined as a ‘long-term [temporary] monastic order system.’ At the head temple or at a temple consisting of 10 or more resident monks, with the consent of 10 monks, the ‘novice precepts沙彌十戒’(or precepts equivalent to the novice precepts) are given and the monks are allowed to become monks and experience life as a monk at the temple after a certain period of training. In this case, ‘monk’ does not refer to bhikṣus or bhikṣunīs who are officially ordained, but to reserve monks at the level of śrāmaṇera or śrāmaṇerī. The main procedural feature of the process of becoming a monk is that there is no need to submit documents proving the arrangement of worldly life, such as submitting divorce documents. The emphasis is on making it easier to choose to become a monk by minimizing the psychological burden that would be felt by those wishing to become a monk by preserving the circumstances in which they can return when returning to monkhood. In this paper, we compare the contents of this monastic ordination system with the rules for ordination in the Vinayapiṭaka, focusing on two points: the ordination process, the process of returning to monastic life, and the process of re-ordaining, and examine its appropriateness. In conclusion, this system is highly likely to cause conflict between monks who became monks through the existing monastic order course and those who became monks through the system of Gasugye, thereby harming the ideology of monastic management such as equality and harmony. In addition, in the long term, it is believed that it will have an undesirable impact on maintaining the identity of the Jogye Order as a monastic order.