지장보살의 외형적 특징에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study is a review of the appearance of Jijang Bodhisattva (Kṣitigarbha) who abides in the hall of postmortem precincts also known as the Myeongbujeon (冥府殿). The original role of Jijang was as a life-saver and his appearance is particularly noteworthy. Jijang is a feminine figure who is closely associated with the earth. Statues dating to late Silla-early Goryeo period sometimes show Jijang wearing a hood or head dressing although he is generally depicted with blue hair in a seated position holding a staff in one hand and a pearl in the other. As described in the Daśacakra- kṣitigarbha-sūtra and the supplementary Kṣitigarbha-sūtra Jijang faces the south. Due to the influence of the Kṣitigarbha-praṇidhāna-sūtra Jijang became particularly influential. This sutra emphasizes respect for one’s parents. While the past lives of Jijang appear to be gender neutral, with regard to filial piety Jijang was depicted as a woman. Nevertheless, the appearance of Jijang Bodhisattva would come to be influenced by Confucian culture. Jijang, unlike other bodhisattvas, looked similar to other monks (聲聞). As emphasized in the Daśacakra-kṣitigarbha-sūtra he took on this image in order to enter into hell and save the beings residing there. A particularly important feature regarding the saving of beings from hell is the staff Jijang holds which has 6 rings attached to it. While these rings represent the 6 paths they also have the role of opening the gate to hell. This image of Jijang originated in the Hwanheongi (還魂記). It is said that when met in hell Jijang was seen wearing a headscarf, a robe, and holding onto the staff with six rings. As a result this image became particularly important regarding the acknowledgement of Jijang.