일본 유교문화의 신앙화 양상에 대한 고찰 ― 공자묘孔子廟를 중심으로

Abstract

Confucius temples are the most representative and tangible symbolic icons of the Edo Shogunate's confucianism promotion policies. Currently there are 10 big and small Confucius temples across Japan. It is noticeable that most of these temples have lost their functions but the number of people visiting Confucius temples has increased. This phenomenon is very interesting comparing with Korea, where very few civilians, excluding tourists, visit Confucius shrines(Moon Myo) or Confucius temples(Hyang Gyo). The reason Japanese civilians visit Confucius temples is due to everyday needs. Thus, the Confucius Temple Steering Committee is putting in large amounts of effort from various perspectives such as adding public elements in Seokjeon ceremony and other events(lectures) in order to attract the attention of civilians. However, continuous visits from these efforts cannot be expected. On the other hand, if the need for visits arise not from interesting and fun factors but rather from everyday needs, the likelihood of visits becoming continuous increases. The most representative cause would be inducing and satisfying religious(worshipping) needs. As a result, the worshipping phenomenon of Confucius temples within the Japanese society can be understood in the same context. The worshipping of Confucius temples can largely be divided into two forms. The first is taking place of the role that the Shinto shrines is responsible for. Some representative cases are the New Year Respects praying for stability and peace for a year or the Seven- Five-Three rite of passage for childrens' health and longevity. The second is worshipping Confucius teachings as god. Thus, based on the academic reputation of Confucius, people have worshipped Confucius praying for scholastic achievement. From this perspective, the number of students or parents worshipping at Confucius temples is continuously increasing. Also, these realistic needs are the largest underlying reasons behind continuous visits to Confucius temples. Furthermore, behind the phenomenon of worshipping Confucius temples lies the flexible attitude of Japanese civilians towards religion and the non-exclusive characteristic embedded in Confucianism. So to speak, the dual religious life of Japanese civilians between Shintoism and Buddhism can be explained by their flexible attitude and non-exclusive characteristics of Shintoism and Buddhism. Confucianism too is in the same position.