한국불교 기우제 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to understand the rituals for rain of Korean Buddhism. The study of rituals for rain can be a meaningful material to understand the diversity of Korean Buddhism and to examine how Buddhism responded to the requests of the state and society. In the historical process of Korean Buddhism, rituals for rain has not received much attention until now. The reason arises from the basic characteristics of rituals for rain. In other words, the rituals for rain was carried out irregularly and sin- glely in a short period of time under the special circumstances of drought. From a Buddhist point of view, it was not established as a Buddhist rituals because it was not a rituals that revealed the uniqueness or differentiation of Buddhism. The Buddhist rituals for rain is in line with the historical process of Korean Buddhism. During the reign of Buddhism until the Goryeo Dynasty, the rituals of rain was held in various places, including temples and palaces. However, it was only possi- ble in temples during the Joseon Dynasty. It was also possible to proceed only after defeating opposition from bureaucrats. Buddhist rituals are vital when expressing the essence of religion, such as thought and faith, as acts. However, the rituals for rain did not have the essence and function of this religion, and ended up as a tradition of Korean Buddhist history.