신라 말 선사비문의 서술태도와 역사적 의의

Abstract

This research is about the historical significance of the erection of tombstones of the Zen monks and the descriptive attitude in the epitaph in them.The Zen monks described in the epitaph of the tombstones were mystical being with a genius ability. Mothers ofthe Zen monks had a precognitive dream about the birth of a baby as the reincarnation of the monk of high virtue and the receiving of Buddhistic symbols. The mothers practiced Buddhist precepts and prenatal educational care wishing for a fine child.The superior physical condition of the Zen monks and their great ability to save the world were described and their strong tie to Buddhism wasemphasized. Even before leaving home and becoming Zen monks,they were qualified earlier on. Afte rthey became Zen monks, they achieved a great work as they studied the Buddhist doctrines and revealed their various mystical ability. A lot of labor and finance were necessary for the erection of the tombstones for the Zen monks. Posthumous epithets and the name of the tower should be granted from the nation and sometimes they were criticized for its mobilizing toomuchlabor. However, they had good reasons for their active erection of tombstones. First, they tried hard to preserve the deeds of the monks for a long time and to let them be known more widely. Secondly, they wanted to strengthen theunity and enhancetheirposition by making different groups of people such as disciples and believers participate in the work. Thirdly, they intended to increase the number of believers. Zen, also as a religion, needed sufficient number of believers to retain its religious body. The Zen believers ranged from the common people to the royal family but its mainstream was the common people. The common people needed a religious shelter related to everyday life. For fulfilling this desire of the common people,the Zen temple highlighted the mystical ability and deeds of the monks and recorded them on the epitaph providing a mystical being for the public.