義寂의『法華經論述記』에 나타난 一乘觀과 그 사상적 배경 고찰

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to research the origin and concept of the “one vehicle” (一乘) as it is presented in the Beophwagyeongron-sulgi (法華經論述記 Commentary on the Lotus Sutra) written by Euijeok (義寂), a monk of the Silla Dynasty. Euijeok is known as an academic monk who mainly studied Yogacara thought. He was not a theorist of the Lotus Sutra. Nevertheless, he wrote many things related to the Lotus Sutra. Euijeok summarized his Beophwagyeongron-sulgi by saying: “It reveals the one vehicle by breaking two” (破二明一) breaking two and revealing the one. Here “breaking two” does not mean to refute the “two vehicle” concept, but to refute the attachment and discrimination of it. Even though Euijeok lived at a later time than Wonhyo, he emphasized practical Buddhism as much as Wonhyo did. It seems that he realized the practice of teaching the Lotus Sutra would eliminate delusion (avidy.) and help one achieve enlightenment. And ultimately it would lead one to the Buddhist Pure Land. His saying “showing the one vehicle (明一)” is very unique. “Showing one vehicle (明一)” literally means to reveal one vehicle. Euijeok’s interpretation prevents the conceptualization of the one vehicle and also connects the specific implementation of practice which leads to actual salvation in reality. Chinese scholars tended to connect the concept of the “one vehicle” to Buddha-nature, which leads to a very difficult metaphysical concept. In this respect, however, Euijeok's interpretation of the one vehicle is very clear and practical when compared to that of Chinese scholars.