백제불교의 전래 주체와 초전지에 대한 고찰 - 침류왕대 한성백제 구도읍과 신도읍과 관련하여 -

Abstract

An Examination of the Agents and Initial Locations of Buddhism's Introduction in Baekje - Focusing on the Old and New Capitals of Hanseong Baekje during King Chimryu's Reign - This study investigates the introduction of Buddhism to Baekje and its initial location, focusing on the old and new capitals of Hanseong Baekje during King Chimryu's reign, as part of Baekje's Buddhist cultural heritage development project. King Onjo established Pungnap Earth Fortress along the Han River plains as his capital. King Geunchogo took a significant step by relocating the royal palace to solidify the ancient state and strengthen the monarchy. This was his final strategic move to subdue internal political factions and prepare for invasions from Goguryeo after King Gogugwon’s loss. The new royal palace, which King Geunchogo relocated to in 371, was Mongchon Earth Fortress, built on hilly terrain. King Chimryu, in an effort to consolidate royal authority, sought to subdue Confucian-Daoist factions within the royal family that had been prominent since the reigns of King Geunchogo and King Geungoosoo. When the foreign monk Marananta traveled from the Eastern Jin capital of Jian’an by sea and up the Han River, King Chimryu went to the outskirts (Pungnap Earth Fortress) to welcome him and escorted him respectfully to the royal palace (Mongchon Earth Fortress). In the second year of his reign, King Chimryu moved the capital from the old capital (Mongchon Earth Fortress) to the new capital (Wirye-seong) in 385, where he established a temple and ordained around ten monks to promote Buddhist teachings. This shift aimed to strengthen his royal authority by centering it around Buddhism, countering the influence of the Confucian-Daoist factions in the royal court. However, after King Chimryu's death in the second year of his reign, his brother King Jinsa took the throne, shifting the ideological focus back to Confucian and Daoist teachings. King Ashin, who ascended after King Jinsa’s death, issued a royal decree urging the people to "uphold and believe in the Buddha's teachings and seek blessings," continuing his predecessor’s efforts to promote Buddhism and strengthen the monarchy. However, King Ashin was hindered in promoting Buddhism due to repeated losses in wars with Goguryeo. Instead, his son King Jeonji, who had returned from Japan as a political hostage, actively embraced Buddhism, supported by his wife, Palbusuin, and the Hae clan. The primary agent of Baekje Buddhism’s introduction was the foreign monk Marananta, who journeyed from Gandhara, India, via Jian’an, Eastern Jin, by boat up the Han River. Hanseong Baekje Buddhism deeply rooted itself in local culture around Marananta's reputed spiritual abilities. From the initial transmission site at the old capital, Mongchon Earth Fortress, Buddhism expanded widely, centering around the new capital, Wirye-seong. This foundation in Hanseong Baekje, supported by Marananta and Wirye-seong, later spread towards Woongjin Baekje and Sabi Baekje. As a result, direct exchanges with Indian Buddhism were possible through figures like Gyumik, and the spread of Buddhism and advanced culture to the Gaya Confederacy and Japan occurred through figures such as Ajikgi and Wangin.