『정주사산비명』고(精註四⼭碑銘考)

Abstract

Jeongju Sasan Bimyeong (精註四⼭碑銘) is a book in which Seokjeon Park Hanyoung commented on Choi Chiwon’s epitaph of the four mountains. Sasan Bimyeong (四⼭碑銘) is an inscription that is attracting attention in the history of Buddhism, literature, and philosophy in Korea. For this reason, it is a work that was studied together with the Buddhist scriptures in the Buddhist world. In particular, since the late Joseon Dynasty, after the Japanese invasion of Imjin, the Buddhist community placed great importance on this inscription. At this time, Cheongheo Hyujeong discovered harmonious elements between Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in the Sasan Bimyeong, and praised Choi Chi-won as a result. Following this, Buddhist intellectuals such as Mongam Giyeong, Gyeongun Wongi, Hong Kyungmo, Beomhae Gakan, Seokjeon Park Hanyeong, and Junggwan Haean, among others, made further comments. The inscription of the Jeongju Sasan Bimyeong in Seokjeon is the most complete among all the attempts made after Junggwan Haean. In addition to correcting errors and omissions in the text, the source of the content was found and clarified. This made it easier for younger students to study by interpreting difficult terms more easily. This exposition of Seokjeon contributed greatly to the establishment of the identity of Korean Buddhism during the Japanese colonial period as well as academic research in the Buddhist world. Seokjeon instilled pride in Koreans by reaffirming the excellence and uniqueness of Buddhist culture while researching and collecting data on Korean Buddhism and Buddhist history.