한국 근대불교잡지에 나타난 사회인식의 근대적 전환 － 수양론(修養論)을 중심으로 －

Abstract

Modern Buddhist journals are one of the most authentic media that demonstrate the trends of modern Buddhism. The most critical objective of modern Buddhism has been the popularization of Buddhism, and publication of the Buddhist journals was a means to realize the purpose positively. Moreover, most important assertions and events of modern Buddhist movements have been issued through the Buddhist journals. Especially, social reform movements that had significant effects on society were introduced to people through the Buddhist journals. In this regard, modern Buddhist journals had a considerable role in educating people and forming public opinion of Buddhist circles. Most early Korean modern Buddhist journals functioned as organs of the Buddhist order. So, the Buddhist order was focused on educating people as well as informing people about events in Buddhist circles and drawing collaboration and support from people. Amid such efforts, the March First Independence Movement occurred in 1919. Popular movements that pursued reforming Buddhist circles were promoted around that time, and the self-development theory to instruct people about Buddhism was introduced. Intellectuals in this period recognized self-development as a significant issue to reform individuals and society through the Buddhist spirit. The self-development theory was published in several Buddhist journals such as the Joseon Buddhist Monthly, the Yousim, the Chisanborim, the Buddhism, the Takma and the Hongbubwoo. The self-development theories of Kwon Sang-ro, Park Han-young, Han Yong-woon and Baek Yong-sung had a great impact on society at that time. The self-development theory was based on a theory of social evolution in Buddhist circles that was the theoretical groundwork of a theory of social reform. The younger generation who would lead society in the future was mainly mentioned as an object of the self-development theory.