신라의 불교 전래와 교단의 확립

Abstract

A precise analysis of Buddhism during the early period of Silla is complicated by the confusion that exists amongst the existing historical materials with regards to this particular period as well as over the characteristics thereof. Despite these obstacles, this study examined the articles related to the introduction of Buddhism included in the relevant historical materials, and sought to clearly define the concept of the ‘early transmission and ‘introduction’ of Buddhism. What’s more, the characteristics of the ‘introduction of Buddhism for propagation purposes’ is also delved into herein. In addition, special attention was paid to the fact that previous studies have as part and their control policies focused solely on the relevant groups of Buddhist monks, while failing to include the upaasaka(male/female lay follower of the Buddha) associated with a particular group of Buddhist monks. Based on a perusal of the contents of the Gyerimjapjeon(鷄林雜傳), which was one of the works analyzed, this study broke down the introduction of Buddhism in Silla into two phases: namely, that carried out by Mukhoja during the reign of King Nulji, and that conducted by Ado during the reign of King Soji. While the introduction of Buddhism carried out by Mukhoja can be regarded as a temporary contact designed to ponder the possibility of the propagation of Buddhism, that conducted under Ado exhibited the characteristics of the official introduction of Buddhism for propagation purposes. This is evident from the fact that unlike the attempt to introduce Buddhism carried out by Mukhoja, Ado’s attempt during the reign of King Soji featured a Sangha(四人僧伽) order that was based on four groups: the Bhiksu, Bhiksuni, Upasaka, and Upasika. Furthermore, the spread of Buddhism, which was facilitated by the use of the Mantra of the incense offering(獻香) and the curing of diseases(治病), occurred from the people to the royal family. Meanwhile, this study defined the prevailing Buddhist Order as a concept which included both the sangha and upaasaka, and also addressed the formation of the Buddhist Order during the introductory period when it was led by Ado. In terms of the main indicators utilized as proof of the formation of this Buddhist Order, the study paid particular attention to the fact that the state perceived the Buddhist Order as a group with religious influence, and to the unique characteristics that surrounded the formation and establishment of this Buddhist Order. In this regard, the researcher’s identification of the Buddhist Order established during the reign of King Beopheung took into consideration such factors as the king’s joining of the sangha, implementation of the doseung system, and the decree of the proclamation prohibiting the destruction of life during the period of the Buddhas of the ten days of fasting(十齋日). Based on these factors, we can conclude that the legalization of Buddhism during the reign of King Beopheung was rooted in the establishment of a Buddhist Order or national policy that included both the sangha and upaasaka.