峰庵의 太古宗祖論에 對하여

Abstract

This study discusses Bongam's theory asserting Taego as the founder of Korean Buddhism. To date, lots of research papers on the denominations and founders of Korean Buddhism have been published. Kim Yeong-su's theory of Taego as the founder of Korean Buddhism, Bang Han-am's theory of Doeui as the founder of Korean Buddhism, Bulhwa Lee Jae-yeol and Beobun Lee Jong-ik's theory of Bojo as the founder of Korean Buddhism are widely known to the world. But Bong-am's theory asserting Taego as the founder of Korean Buddhism is first examined in this paper. Modern Korean Buddhism has changed its religious denomination from Wonjong, Imjejong, Joseon Buddhism Seongyo Yangjong, Joseon Buddhism Jogyejong, Joseon Buddhism, Hankuk Buddhism Jogyejong, Daehan Buddhims Jogyejong in the order named. Therefore, the history of modern Korean Buddhism is nothing less than a process of denomination and founder change. As the denomination, founder, tenet and way of teaching are related to the identity of Korean Buddhism, they are extremely significant. Thus, scholars have been contending for them from the period of the Japanese colonial rule to the present. In the midst of Buddhist persecution arising from President Syngman Rhee's decree in May 20, 1954, Buddhist monks of Seonhakwon held a national bikkhu convention in Seonhakwon for two days in September 28 and 29, 1954 and amended the charter of Korean Buddhism to establish National Master Bojo Jinul(普照知訥 1158-1210) as the founder of Korean Buddhism. Observing this situation, then supreme patriarch Manam Song Jong-heon(曼庵 宋宗憲 1876-1956) resigned his post strongly criticizing it as "changing grandfather and father." Bongam Beon Wolju(峰庵 邊月周 1909-1975) also showed great anger at the change of the founder. Though he was a disciple of Yongseon Jinjong(龍城震鍾 1864-1940), he joined Chongmuwon(married Buddhist priests) because of the issue of the founder. Bongam belonged to Seonhakwon before the Sangha feud began in 1954. In March 16, 1941, when he was 33 years old, Bongam was elected director of general affairs for the Central Buddhist Affairs Office in "the second seon conference of Joseon Buddhist Seonjong". This fact proves that his capability was recognized. But, as the Seonhakwon bikkhus asserted Bojo Jinul as the founder of Korean Buddhism, he changed his line from the bikkhu sangha to the married priests. Thus, Bongam acted as a member of 4th Emergency Council for Buddhism Restoration representing Beopryunsa Temple in January 31, 1962. He also served as vice-chairperson of the Elder Council, Korea Buddhism Jogye Order(Supreme Patriarch Guk Muk-dam). As he held the belief that the founder shouldn't be changed under any circumstances, Bongam respected Supreme Partriarch Song Man-am and opposed Seonhakwon bikkhus by serving Master Guk Muk-dam to the last. Because of the very issue of the founder, he took a different stance from other disciples of Master Yongseong. He was the greatest victim of the Sangha feud from the year 1954 to 1972. In spite of that, he was devoted to teaching students at Masan College founded by Haeinsa Temple. To take over his unaccomplished hope is the task of his disciples and younger students.