근대 일본불교의 서양사상의 수용과 전개 - 井上円了를 중심으로 -

Abstract

Japan in modern time after Meiji(明治) Revolution accepted Western civilization at a rapid pace in the formation process of modern state. Wakonyosai(和魂洋才) was the typical corresponding method. In that time, Buddhist circle was on the edge due to Haibutsukishaku(廢佛毁釋) which was spearheaded by Meiji new government. Inoue Enryo was a representative man those who tried to break the impasse. He who was aiming at improvement and rehabilitation of Buddhism, accepted Western thought, and established Tetsugakukan(哲學館) which named changed to Toyo(東洋) University in Tokyo. He had confidence that Buddhism was Oriental philosophy and thought which can lead modern society indeed, and cope with Western thought. He also thought that time a great chance in which Buddhism can come a long way under the protection of nation. Inoue produced a new theory about the Idea of Buddhism Unification, which can accept both sides of philosophy and religion. Especially, he systemized the theory of Buddhism evolution, the idea of exclusion against Christianity, and Psychology of Buddhism. Firstly, he looked at the theory of evolution from universal evolution, in which evolution and degradation based on No birth and No death repeats eternally. He called it Taika(大化). This theory turned into the idea of affirmation of warfare from nationalism, that is, circulation of peace and war. Secondly, the theory of Buddhism evolution became the rationale for the idea of exclusion against Christianity by him. Inoue criticized, including the doctrine of creation, Christianity. And he claimed the supremacy of Buddhism in theory and real gain in society. It means that there was Buddhism between tradition and change in the historical context in which Religious freedom was permitted in modern time. Lastly, Inoue theorized the Psychology of Buddhism for a mass-education campaign like doing away with superstition, and founded the theory of demon. This was aiming at demonstrating the superiority of Buddhism as modern science. The activity of Inoue who accepted and made use of the most western thought with Buddhism for modernization of Japan for the time of the clash of civilizations, although he strongly supported nationalism, was particularly active than persons in other asia areas. Therefore, it requires the comparative study hereafter for the response of Buddhism to Western civilization in East asian Buddhism.