한용운 선(禪) 사상의 근대성

Abstract

Han Yongun is the icon of the theories for reforming of Korean Buddhism in the early 20th century in Korea. However, he, unlike other reformists of the time who were oriented to scholarly Buddhism, did not overlook the importance of ch’an practice. This was possible, for he reinterpreted Ch’an Buddhism in the context of modernity. Han Yongun intended to bring Ch’an Buddhism into the realm of modern academic discipline by defining ch’an practice as t’i and philosophy as yong. This implies that Ch’an Buddhism can be interpreted with philosophical languages, although Ch’an was claimed to be the transcendental truth beyond language. He wanted to interpret Ch’an Buddhism from new perspective and methodology with common language system. Han Yongun insists that ch’an practice is not a religious performance by specialized monks, but a sort of cultivation of mind in everyday life for common people. “Buddhists are not the only people who need ch’an practice. Intellectuals, farmers, engineers, merchants, and all kinds of people need ch’an practice.” This is the development of the Ch’an tradition which claims that every sentient being has Buddha nature. In the tradition, this claim was only in theory, but Han Yongun confirms that it should be practiced in actual world. In this context, he asserts that it is wrong to devote to ch’an practice on mountain, and thus monks should enter into society after finished their short and intensive ch’an practice on mountain. He stayed on mountain for short period time only and did ch’an practice in the middle of city life for the most of his life time.