신라시대 약사신앙의 보리심 사상 전개에 대한 일고(一考)

Abstract

In the early days when Buddhism was introduced to Korean peninsula, it firstly was understood and accepted as an esoteric elements of Mahayana Buddhism for healing and salvation rather than a complicated and profound doctrinal understanding. Therefore, a deep understanding of the esoteric aspects of Korean Buddhism demands of understanding the overall background and flow of Korean Buddhism. One of the esoteric forms of Korean Buddhism is the Apothecary Faith of the Silla Dynasty. Bhaisajyaguru-belief(藥師信仰) of Silla Buddhism were widely practiced throughout the civilian and royal hierarchies of Silla from the time of the introduction of Buddhism, as evidenced by extant texts and artifacts of Silla Buddhism and historical works. Bhaisajyaguru-belief also had a significant impact on the formation of Silla Buddhism and the development of Esoteric Buddhism of Silla which the Samguk Yusa(三國遺事) and Samguk Sagi(三國史記) being be the central to the literature that conveys what Bhaisajyaguru-belief(藥師信仰) at that time. The Silla’s medical science and pharmacist faith can be characterized by its focus on curing disease, saving lives, and returning to the Pure Land of the East. The Silla society's Bhaisajyaguru-belief can be said to have shaped Silla's welfare worldview based on the Bodhisattva's idea of bodhichitta, which is in line with modern welfare ideologies. In Silla society, when sentient beings groaned under the temporal suffering of hunger, disease, and poverty, Bhaisajyaguru sought to relieve them from their temporal suffering. Therefore, Bhaisajyaguru's The 12 Great Vows are the ultimate embodiment of bodhichitta, actively realizing Bhaisajyaguru's bodhichitta to institutionalize and enlighten sentient beings so that they can be born in the Pure Land. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the unique culture of Silla Buddhism and the deep esoteric background of Korean Buddhism through the Bhaisajyaguru-belief.