근대 제주불교와 봉려관 연구 - 일제강점기 언론보도를 중심으로 -

Abstract

Jeju Buddhism suffered extreme hardship due to the oppression of governor Lee Hyeong-sang(李衡祥) in the late Joseon Dynasty. In this situation, the Bhikkuni Bongnyeogwan(蓬廬觀) restored Beobjeongsa Temple and Gwaneumsa Temple while building them. Bongnyeogwan contributed to the revitalization and socialization of Jeju Buddhism by conducting active tactic activities and establishing close relationships with residents. In the early 20th century, Jeju people overcame the low awareness of Buddhism and expanded the teaching of modern Jeju Buddhism. This was not an easy task considering the reality of the early 20th century, when male-centered thinking prevailed. Along with propagating Buddhism, he was also active in social relief activities. He participated as an executive member of the Jeju Hunger Relief Association and conducted social projects to save neighbors in need, such as shrinking the Dongsucheon Well. The Buddhist teachings did not stay within the denomination, but they practiced mercy to benefit the world. The Jeju Buddhist Association, in which modern Jeju Buddhists participated, implicitly promoted national consciousness and supported social activities such as women’s movement. Bongnyeogwan and Jeju local monks and believers worked hard to instill dreams and hopes in local youth by establishing secondary schools followed by kindergartens. The infallible uprising of Beobjeongsa Temple, founded by Bongryeogwan, has great historical significance as an independence movement that rose before the March 1st Movement in 1919. In this way, based on the mission and driving power of Bongnyeogwan and Jeju Buddhists during the colonial era, they tried to revive Jeju Buddhism and fulfill its role in the great society. This fact can be confirmed through media such as Dong-A Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo, and Maeil Shinbo during the Japanese colonial period. The life and teachings of Bongryeogwan, who laid the foundation for Jeju Buddhism as a chaplain and contributed to the modernization of Jeju society, should be properly recorded and evaluated.