원불교 윤리의 근대적 성격

Abstract

This paper argues that Won Buddhism, which has generally been discussed in the category of “new religions,” in fact provides an innovative modern ethics capable of reforming our political and economic behavior. This distinguishes it from other new religions, which adhere to traditional moral principles. The first step in the argument interprets the “Dependent Origination” (緣起) of Buddhism as “Beneficence” (恩). In this way Won Buddhism avoids the pessimistic connotations of Buddhism and also presents a universal interpretation which allows friendly relations to be established between individuals without the intervention of transcendent beings. Next, I argue that unlike other new religions, which set up knowledge and morality in opposition, Won Buddhism advocates a knowledge-oriented social order in which the acquisition of knowledge is the foundation for a truly moral life. In addition, while other new religions aim to reform society, including modern Western civilization, Won Buddhism accepts that reform has already begun through the very fact of modern Western civilization. In other words, Won Buddhism understands the achievements of Western civilization as a fundamental aspect of reform, and interprets jariita (自利利他) as the cooperative division of labor required for mutually beneficial economic interdependence. Indeed, in Won Buddhism sound economic activity is one of several essential disciplines, together with correct knowledge, and a spiritual attitude which fosters a grateful mind and transcends the distinction between self and others. In this way, Won Buddhism rationally organizes everyday life as a training experience, so that the acquisition of logical and practical knowledge facilitates participation in a chain of gratitude, by working conscientiously in each position. Thus, Won Buddhism provides a worldview in which daily labor is integral to moral life, rather than relying on an extrinsic moral code derived from a particular metaphysical approach. In conclusion, this paper argues that Won Buddhism morally justifies the pursuit of material and scientific knowledge which underpins the global trend toward modernization, but Won Buddhism remains distinct from purely capitalist ideologies in emphasizing boeun (social benefits) instead of individual ownership.