정토교의 임종론 고찰 -임종행의(臨終行儀)를 중심으로-

Abstract

This paper is written in order to arrange the theory of dying on the Pure Land(Sukhāvatī) belief which is one of the important fields in Mahāyāna Buddhism, and make an new interpretation of that from modern viewpoint. Especially, this writer reviewed on the theory of dying based on various literatures. First of all for that, it is focused on three parts sūtra of the Pure Land. Firstly, this writer considered the cause to desire next life after death through chanting the Buddha’s name in reliance on the dislike of the mundane sphere and the wishfulness for the Pure Land. Secondly, this writer also did an analysis of importance on karma in dying through relation with chanting the Buddha’s name in dying and going to the Western Paradise(the Elysian fields). Thirdly, it was reviewed on meaning to have the establishment of determined position in the Pure Land of Happiness in the Western. Lastly, it was showed that the coming in the world, in other words, reincarnation in this mundane world to save for all people is to inherit the teaching of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Following this analysis, the theory of dying was analysed to three parts in the Rites of dying. First, the meaning of the Rites of dying and Right remembrance in dying. Second, the relationship of the dying and Buddhist patron(kalyāṇa-mitra) for dying, Third, doctrinal consideration on the advent of Buddha with Bodhisattvas and the going to the Western Paradise. And then the theory of dying in modern meaning became clear. First of all, it is important that Right remembrance in dying is to let the dying accept death after putting a person at his(her) ease and peace. This means that many people in dying have the way to escape from the anxiety of death. Buddhist patron for dying is the religious person to take a role not only to care the dying but also to guide after death of him(her) and to do a religious service for the repose of the soul of him(her) too. Lastly, It is declared that the advent of Buddha with Bodhisattvas appeared from subjective truth of the dying, that is, vision and image in dying breath became a significant means to give him(her) hope. The belief to go to the Western Paradise after death is in the limelight as religious one by many people nowadays for realizing properly the spirit of salvation of Mahāyāna Buddhism not only during one′s lifetime but also in last breath. In particular, various problems in modern society in which it is focusing on death, can be solved and another new perspective can be offered by the tradition of the Pure Land Buddhism related with dying.