여말선초 臨濟禪의 법통형성과 조선후기 논쟁

Abstract

In Korean Buddhist history, a theory on the Buddhist lineage tradition was established in late Joseon Dynasty, which was reconstituted by representative monks of Buddhist community in early Joseon Dynasty who inherited a religious tradition from Taego Bowoo rather than Naong Haekeun. They defined Bojo Jinul as a separate sect(別種) from Naong Haekeun which is a sect(分派) based on Pyungsan(平山). However, behavior of the monks at the end of Koryo Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty such as Hwanam Honsu(幻菴混修)·Gugok Gakun(龜谷覺雲) are clearly affected by Naong rather than Taego. Even though the reconstitution of the theory of dharma lineage was formalized in Buddhist community in the late Joseon Dynasty, a series of evidence reconfirmed the value and status of Naong Haekeun, creating pessimism on the theory of dharma lineage originated from Taego. Such reconstitution of historical fact raised a question of the original founder during Japanese colonial era casting doubt on its robustness, and the argument and controversy have continued until now. Even if reconstitution of religious tradition can have distortion and contradiction from an aspect of historical fact, actual aspect of Korean Buddhism history including continuous ups and downs should also be considered. For example, Korean Buddhism had to build its identity under the suppression and isolation during the late Joseon Dynasty and Japanese colonial era. It was a significant mission for those who led the Buddhist community at the time to overcome a dismal period to rebuild its identity. Hence, when assessing the “fabrication” or “reconstitution” of the theory, it is important to simultaneously consider the periodic circumstances and trend in Buddhist community.