초기 원불교의 신화적 변용에 대한 연구 －한국 신종교 연구의 방법적 시론－

Abstract

The direction of studies on new religious movements constantly requires new perspectives and methodologies, especially since new religions appear during periods of rapid change and manifest in various forms. As such, this study hopes to proffer a new methodology by approaching Korean new religions from the perspective of “mythical transformation.” The transformation of myth occurs when movements arise in constant pursuit of the “origin (essence)” and through that process are influenced by the cultural aspects of that area and the circumstances of that particular period. Unlike existing studies that focus on the value of mythical transformation, this paper argues that within various transformation and changes there exists a creative value of myth. However, historical changes are not only evident through myth, but are also apparent by examining Confucianism, Buddhism and other religious thoughts. This paper encompasses these thoughts under the title, “mythical transformation.”Mythical transformation does not rest on the essence of religious thought nor early religious founders such as Śākyamuni Buddha or Confucius. Rather, mythical transformation is found in the essential awareness of reality that arises through transformation. Consequently,transformation is not an imitation or emulation, but rather has to be recognized as one essential pursuit. This type of mythical transformation is evident in new religions in Korea that emerged during the modern period after the Donghak (東学) revolution. This paper examines the transformation of myth as represented in Donghak, Jeungsan (甑山), and the unity of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism (三教合一) in early Won-Buddhism. Among these aspects special focus will be placed on Won-Buddhist thought.