만해의 현대성(現代性) 수용과 ‘님’

Abstract

Understanding of the Korean word nim (English word lover) is the opening point or basic idea to understand Nimui chi'mmuk (the Silence of Lover). The understanding of nim is possible not merely through defining that who nim is but through the investigating what the characteristics of nim is or hidden features of nim are. This article intends to interpret nim from the view point of Manhae's acceptance of modernity and its co-relation. Manhae, a prominent monk of 20th century, was very inclined and aggressive to accept and apply the modern ideas and contemporary concepts without denying Buddhist tradition. Nimui chi'mmuk reflects his harmonization of modernity and Buddhist tradition. Nim is the Buddha or Buddha nature. However, Nim is not the absolute and transcendental being that was found in pre-modern thought. Remarkably, the symbol of self-enlightenment by modern individuals who deny the existence of absolute and transcendental being is impressive in the study of Buddhism. Manhae was socio-political pioneer in the 20th century who taught highly applicable ideas during his time. He was politically as sensitive as he often uses modern political terminologies, such as socialism, capitalism, bourgeois, proletariat etc... These tenets can be visualized whenever we confronted with his creative writings. From the aesthetical point of view, the modernity of nim is aesthetical and philosophical sublimation of Eros. Although Manhae was a Buddhist monk, he believed that Eros is inseparable from man himself. Moreover, in his thought the idea of Eros is the undivided entity of self. Thus, nim is in its ultimate sense the inner self of modern man.