18세기 『염불보권문』의 편간과 불교사적 의미

Abstract

Yombulbogwonmun(念佛普勸文) is composed of four parts; collected texts from Buddhist scriptures, stories about the rebirth in the Pure Land that are selected from Yenyommitatoryangchambop(禮念彌陀道場懺法), ritual procedure of chanting Amitabha’s name, and lastly, supplementary parts. As the arrange suggests, this book shows relatively logical development of contents from the reason of chanting Amitabha’s name, to the profit of the chanting practice, and to the practice manual of chanting Amitabha’s name. except for the supplement. The first part based on the words of the Buddha gives the reason for calling Amitabha’s name. The second part that provides the examples of those who went to the Pure Land shows the profit of the practice, that is, the rebirth in the Pure land and becoming a Buddha. The third part reveals the actual procedure to attain the goal of the chanting practice. At the end of each section, I repeat the articles emphasizing the faith of rebirth in the Pure land and becoming a Buddha, so that the subject of the entire Yombulbogwonmun(念佛普勸文) is clearly highlighted. Yombulbogwonmun(念佛普勸文) emphasizes the need to chant Amitabha’s name for rebirth in the Pure land and becoming a Buddha while showing the reasons for rebirth in the Pure land and becoming a Buddha. In particular, the emphasis on becoming a Buddha is a notable characteristic of this book. Yombulbogwonmun(念佛普勸文) can be said to have meanings of the times. It led and advocated a new religious movement that had been developed since the 17th century, emphasizing chanting Amitabha’s name and becoming a Buddha. It also pointed out that becoming a Buddha reminds us of the essence of the faith of Pure Land and the purpose of Buddhism.