불교계 사회복지시설 종사자의 불교 경험에 관한 질적 사례연구 - 비불교인을 중심으로 -

Abstract

In this study, in-depth interviews with 6 non-Buddhist workers of Buddhist social welfare facilities are conducted to grasp the meaning of Buddhism that they experience. Thus, 9 categories that are commonly found in non-Buddhist workers of social welfare facilities are constructed which are ‘prolongation of work’, ‘discovery of unexpectedness’, ‘unfamiliar and difficult culture’, ‘divine existence’, ‘secularized shape’, ‘ideological practice tool’, ‘powerful symbol’, ‘area to be separated’, ‘adaptive experience’ Based on the result of the study, Buddhist experiences of non-Buddhist workers exist as an insider experience which come from being members of Buddhist social welfare facilities. Their experiences exist also as an outsider experience which indicate that they try to keep certain psychological distance from Buddhism. Secondly, Buddhist experiences of non-Buddhist workers are fulfilled through Buddhist events and ceremonies of social welfare facilities, operating social welfare corporations and operational support temples. This means absences of systematic and procedural process. Lastly, non-Buddhist workers interpret the purpose of Buddhist social welfare only as a practice of doctrinal ideology and an improvement of socially positive image. Thus, they fail to point out social welfare applications of cultural and ecological assets, values of Buddhism as unique traditional culture, and principles of Buddhist practices such as meditation which helps relaxation of body and mind. Based on the discussions above, this study suggests systematic Buddhist education is needed for non-Buddhist workers of Buddhist social welfare facilities.