고려 전기 法號의 사용과 그 운영의 특징

Abstract

In the early Goryeo era, a precept name (beopho) was part of the official status granted to a Buddhist priest, along with the duty and rank of the monk. The presentation of a precept name is related to China's eulogistic title system that included the title of ‘Great Master’ (dashi). However, as greater importance was laid on Goryeo’s own unique Buddhist priest ranks than to the Chinese-style eulogistic titles during the era, precept names and ranks were used in an interconnected way. A precept name, or ‘beopho’ was also referred to as ‘beopching’ or ‘uiho’, and had the same significance as ‘hunho’ or ‘gongho’, a title given to those who made great contributions to the nation. Based on the historical sources identified so far, the eligibility for these precept names was limited to Buddhist priests with the rank of ‘daedeok’, which was the lowest, or above. As precept names were sometimes granted to a large number of priests at once, some of them were given the same names while they were active during the same period of time. Also, from the fact that the same precept names were granted at a regular interval, it can be presumed that the state had the principle for the presentation of specific precept names for certain achievements. On the occasion of major state rituals such as the enthronement of the king or the appointment of the queen, or a decree of amnesty, government officials were often given awards while Buddhist priests were assigned with official duties or ranks. However, the granting of these rewards was restricted due to the limited numbers of the duties and ranks allowed to monks. On the other hand, precept names did not lead to any major problems even if they were granted many times. As long as the state was willing to create a social atmosphere where monks with a precept name were better treated and those who had been granted several precept names were respected, precept names had significance as an element determining a monk’s status.