종교대화의 관점에서 본 유교와 불교

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to search for a desirable type of dialogue between religions. It is based on the W.C. Smith's contention to analyse the patterns of dialogues between Confucianism and Buddhism in China and Korea. These types can be classified roughly into three types. Firstly, the exclusive type, secondly, the tolerant type and thirdly, the type of including both of them. In more technical terms, first and second patterns are the reification of religion as Smith's contention. In this regard, the third case is only a real dialogue between religions. The intersection of Confucianism and Buddhism is a landmark that changes the history of East Asian philosophy. Without successful encounter with Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, Buddhism could not have been firmly established itself as a main religion or philosophy in China. However, the encounter with Confucianism and Buddhism had not been attained on the basis of merely a mutual understanding or tolerance. There exists deep-rooted antagonism and conflict behind. But it has developed from mutual understanding to antagonistic and trouble relationships, which made new history. In Western, the conflict with religions caused a war, while in East Asia, the conflict and tolerance got joined together, which made new philosophy. This is the real meaning of intersection of Confucianism and Buddhism. I am convinced that this tradition can contribute to clear up the religion problem and recover the true meaning of religion for the human future.