한국 비구니 승가의 현황과 미래 방향

Abstract

This study performed a simple analysis of the past history of the Korean bhikkhuni sangha (female monastic community), and examined how it operates today. I wanted to identify the issues it faces today and possible future tasks. Then based on these findings I wanted to present a possible future course of action for its development. When Buddhism was first introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms era, the Korean bhikkhuni sangha also began, but due to social norms at that time, monastic life for women was usually limited to royalty and nobility. This tradition continued into the Goryeo era too, but in the Joseon era, the situation worsened because women were prohibited by law from being ordained. However, four bhikkhuni temples (saseungbang) established in the Joseon era provided a driving force for bhikkhunis to overcome this oppressive environment toward Buddhist practice. Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945 saw an increase of bhikkhunis, and the Korean bhikkhuni sangha put in concerted effort to secure more monastic educational facilities like lecture halls, Seon halls and other practice facilities. Through these efforts, Korean bhikkhunis today perform a variety of activities at temples nationwide with the National Bhikkhuni Association at the center. However, the Korean bhikkhuni sangha today is experiencing a rapid decline in the number of aspirants due to Korea’s falling birth rate and the aging of Korean society. These issues should be resolved by concentrating on attracting an elite minority to become bhikkhunis. In addition, today’s bhikkhuni community needs supportive measures in terms of their practice and education, as well as stability in their lives. To operate bhikkhuni temples more effectively, the operations of the four Joseon-era bhikkhuni temples (Cheongnyongsa, Cheongnyangsa, Mitasa, & Bomunsa) need to be analyzed, and their strong points utilized.