명연(明衍)의 『염불보권문(念佛普勸文)』 연구

Abstract

Myeongyeon (?-1704-?)'s Yeombul Bogwonmun (念佛普勸文) was compiled as a succession to Bowu's Gwonnyeom Yolok (勸念要錄) and Seongchong's Jeongto Boseo (淨土寶書). A distinctive characteristic of this work lies in its bilingual composition, employing both Classical Chinese and Korean vernacular, which facilitated the dissemination of Yeombul faith across both intellectual and common social strata. Its significance is evidenced by its repeated engravings in various regions over the years and the subsequent addition of new materials. This study examines the motivation behind its compilation, structural composition, circulation patterns, and the origins and contents of Yeombul Bogwon. Particular emphasis has been placed on identifying and verifying the original sources. The Yeombul Bogwonmun is structured as follows. First, it presents the theoretical framework of Pure Land doctrine and Yeombul faith through quotations from Buddhist sutras and treatises. Second, it includes Wangsaengdam (往生譚, tales of rebirth in Pure Land) selected from Wang Zicheng's Yenyeom Mita Doryang Champbeop, tailoring content for various social classes. This provided hope for rebirth in the Pure Land through Yeombul practice to everyone from kings and ministers to commoners, and even butchers. Third, it standardized devotional Yeombul rituals by incorporating Yeombul Jakbeop (念佛作法), establishing what would become the earliest prototype of the Sahastra-bhuja sutra (千手經), the most widely recited Buddhist text in modern Korean Buddhism. Fourth, as an appendix, it includes the Imjong Jeongnyeom-gyeol (Dharani for the moment of death), presenting Pure Land-based solutions for dealing with death, along with teachings on filial piety and Hyeon's prayer text. Notably, through the Wangrang Banhon-jeon (Tale of Wangrang's Return), it sought to inspire readers in their Pure Land practice. Fifth, it presents concrete evidence of faith through historical accounts of Pure Land rebirth, featuring figures such as Bai Letian and Lü Dongbin. The primary motivation behind Myeongyeon's compilation of the Yeombul Bogwonmun was to widely propagate Pure Land Yeombul practice of Namu Amitabul. By interpreting this in simple vernacular Korean, it ensured accessibility to all readers. Furthermore, through its transmission records and other features, it can be evaluated as a comprehensive missionary work that expounds on the merit of widely distributing and encouraging the reading of this text.