원불교 신앙대상과 신앙호칭에 대한 담론 고찰

Abstract

There are basic elements in the study of discourse related to the object of faith in Won-Buddhism. There is a difference between addressing the object of faith and the name of faith. It might seem that the object of faith and the name of faith has been established throughout many transition process since the beginning of Won-Buddhism, however, the discourse and the controversy of this matter has been continuously ongoing until these days. Despite the difference in addressing the faith, the discourses on establishing the characteristic of religion’s faith has been developed into 3 aspects. First, unifying with the name of Won-Buddhism; it has been proposed to use the name of the faith ‘Won-Bul-Nim (Won Buddha),’ which emphasizes the conciseness, popular appeal, etc. Second, instead of using redundant term Bup-Shin-Bul Irwŏnsang (Dharmakāya Buddha, Irwŏnsang)’ or ‘Bup-Shin-Bul Sa-Eun (Dharmakāya Buddha, the Fourfold Grace), there is a stance on officially using the object of faith as ‘Bup-Shin-Bul (Dharmakāya Buddha)’ and using ‘Bu-Cheu-Nim (Buddha)’ as name of the faith, which is generalized and has a popular sentiment to the public. Third, maintain the expression as in The Principal Book of Won-Buddhism, but grant its imperativeness through doctrinal interpretation. These discourses play important roles in developing the study of Won-Buddhism’s characteristic of faith as well as doctrinal development in scholastic field; it is an essential process in globally spreading the doctrine and carries a significance in other aspects of development. In the future, if the discourses on object of faith and name of faith continues with an open attitude, Won-Buddhism’s faith culture will mature and will provide active opportunity of discussion in other related fields such as in doctrinal interpretations.