한국 고대불교의 토착화와 구심화 - 融和와 敎化를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research the Korean naturalization and centripetalization of Buddhism from the viewpoint of “harmony” and “reformation.” Korean Buddhism was naturalized and centripetalized in Korea long ago. It has been expelled from the main stream since the Daehan period (1897~until before unification) because of aggressive missionary work by Western religions. Now, it is time to worry about the naturalization, centripetalization and popularization again. Buddhism that was introduced as a new social phenomenon in ancient Korea has conflicted against, harmonized with and reformed unique indigenous religions such as the gods of heaven religion and the mountain spirit religion and shamanism, fusing these regions. Buddhism has conflicted against, harmonized with and reformed the gods of heaven religion, mountain spirit religion and shamanism through the introduction, acceptance and official approval process. Since the introduction of Buddhism, as the construction structure of the temple shows in Sangdang-Jungdang-Hadang, the gods of heaven religion, the mountain spirit religion and shamanism have maintained the structure of traditional Samjae Thought. Although indigenous religions yielded the central position to Buddhism, their functions and roles have been maintained. At the same time, Buddhism has harmonized with and coexisted with Taoism and Confucianism as well as the indigenous religions such as the gods of heaven religion, mountain spirit religion and shamanism. The reason that Buddhism could be naturalized in the soil of Korea was the comprehensive viewpoint and attitude of Buddhism that admitted the cultural processes of other religions without harboring antagonism against them. At the same time, the catholicity and generosity of Buddhism to admit and accept differences was helpful for the naturalization process. In this way, the Buddhist belief that prays for fortune in this world and during one’s lifetime such as the Mireuk belief, the Gwaneum belief or the Amita belief could be widely expanded. As a result, Buddhism could harmonize with and reform indigenous religions and also harmonize with and coexist with Taoism and Confucianism. Buddhism became rooted deeply in Korea through the wisdom of “harmony” and the generosity of “reformation.” The ancient Buddhism of Korea harmonized with and coexisted with the gods of heaven religion, the mountain spirit religion, shamanism, Taoism and Confucianism through the “wisdom” of “harmony” and “generosity” of “reformation.” It was naturalized as “Korean Buddhism” while defeating or harmonizing with the indigenous religions of Korea or enlightening or reforming them. The reason that many researchers call Korean Buddhism “integrated Buddhism” or “synthesized Buddhism” is that Buddhism has unified and synthesized other religions with the original mind of Buddhism, the “midway” or “right way.”