신라에 있어서 불교와 국가 - 원효를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The connection was inseparably made between the ruling class and Buddhism in the 6-7th century in Silla Kingdom. Over many generations, the kings of the dynasty had relied on the assistance of Buddhism in their ruling the country. And with the support of the kings, Buddhism of Silla flourished. Buddhist monks who were closely connected with the royal family had influence on the politics. Wonhyo(元曉; 617-686), one of the most important Buddhist thinker in Silla Kingdom, made a contribution to the popularization of Buddhism. What kind of connection did Wonhyo have with the royal family? According to Samgukyusa(The heritage of the three states) (三國遺事), Wonhyo got a son called Seolchong(薛聰) from the widowed princess of Yoseokgung(瑤石宮). But the record of Samgukyusa that Wonhyo got a son from the princess is not reliable. The reasons are twofold: First, we have doubts about the material. The record of Samgukyusa was derived from Hyangjeon(鄕傳)(A local document). We don’t know about Hyangjeon. As a historical document, the reliability of Hyangjeon is not that high. No records of this marriage were kept except in Samgukyusa. That is, the biography of Wonhyo in Songgoseungjeon (宋高僧傳) and Seodanghwasang-Bi(誓幢和上碑) showed no record of this marriage. Second, Wonhyo differed in social standing from the princess. Silla had a rigid class system referred to as Golpum(骨品) system. Such a misalliance was not permitted under that system. When young, Wonhyo had become a monk. After breaking his vow and begetting Seolchong, he put on lay clothes. Wonhyo returned to secular life in order to become a ‘grihapati’(居士), and then he converted himself to the teaching of masses. Without scheduling or restriction, he did so as he pleased according to the occasion. He was not in close connection with the royal family or ruling class. Wonhyo said that the most important thing in ruling the kingdom was right dharma(正法) and that if a king committed a serious fault, he might lose his position.