Relation between Buddhism and Won-Buddhism

Abstract

The question to Won-Buddhism on the relation to Buddhism has two stand points. One is just for curiosity, the other one is a reproaching question that why Won-Buddhism does not officially proclaim as Buddhism. Both stand points are different, yet, both are common in an aspect that the question is asked without detailed information on stand point of Won-Buddhism. It is the reason to present this paper focused on the stand point of Won-Buddhism and the formational background of it. It is very difficult and careful to settle or arrange the relation between Buddhism and Won-Buddhism. I choose to put the dharma words of the Founding Master Sot’aesan in order, rather than to express my humble opinion. I hope this would be a helpful informative paper on Won-Buddhism. Lastly, to express my short opinion, Won-Buddhism can be said absolutely a Buddhism from the wide angle of history, region and thought. However, from narrowed angle, it has a figure of a Buddhist order that pursues new Buddhist movement. Clearly to speak, it may not be considered a figure of Buddhism, in Korea. Considering from the long history and various dimension of Buddhism, Won-Buddhism has to be a Buddhism.