제주불교의 심전개발운동과 제주불교의 변화

Abstract

The Shimjeon Development Movement is a spiritual enlightenment movement initiated by Governor-General of Chosen in the mid-1930s. Governor-General of Chosen emphasized the virtues of ‘Honor God and Venerate Ancestors’ and expected that Korean Buddhism could experience a resurgence through this movement. The Buddhist community obtained opportunities for lectures related to the state of the country and spiritual cultivation, as well as for propagating Buddhism through this movement. As a result, Buddhist activities had been revitalized with establishment of new temples and an increase in the number of believers. Jeju Buddhism was aligned with the Shimjeon Development Movement in Korean Buddhism. In the early stages, Lectures of the Shimjeon Development Movement in Jeju were organized by propagators from Daeheungsa Temple in South Jeolla Province and student monks from the Central Buddhist College who toured across the regions. Public institutions encouraged the hosting of these lecture events. Since Jeju Buddhism benefited from the lecture activities increased by the Shimjeon Development Movement, the Buddhist community in Jeju was able to establish their large-scale memorial services for Buddhist propagation, such as ceremonies at Beophwa prayer meeting and Mita prayer meeting. Furthermore, they had meditation and chanting sessions to learn the traditional Buddhist faith like Gwaneum Prayer Meeting, Buddhist Chanting Prayer Meeting, and Uranbun memorial service. These Buddhist rituals were successful and attracted hundreds of participants. As a result of the Shimjeon Development Movement, Jeju Buddhism saw an increase in the establishment of new temples. The number of Buddhist temples, which was 15 until 1935, increased significantly to 31 after 1935. Buildings in the temples such as dharma halls, hermitages, and guest rooms continued to expand. Buddhist activities like consecration of Buddha statues and the altar portraits of Buddha and ceremonies giving clerical robes to monks also increased. Following the quantitative expansion, the expansion of Buddhist activities of monks and believers is also recognized. In addition, the Jeju Buddhist Federation was organized and led unified activities within the Buddhist community in Jeju. Other Buddhist associations, such as Buddhist Advocacy Groups and Women's Associations, were also organized and actively participated in various activities. It can be said that the Shimjeon Development Movement has become a force to activate Jeju Buddhist activities as well as the activation of Korean religious world such as Korean Buddhism.