현대 한국 불교의 대중화 운동 - 상월조사와 광덕스님을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This paper examines the historical trajectory of efforts to popularize Buddhism in Korea, spanning from the late 19th century to contemporary times, with a particular focus on the contributions of Sangwol in Korean Tiantai Buddhism and Gwangdeok in Zen Buddhism. Through an analysis of key figures such as Baek Yongseong, Han Yongun, So Taesan, Sangwol, and Gwangdeok, the study explores the strategies employed to make Buddhism accessible to the masses and the subsequent adaptation of Buddhist practices and beliefs to suit the needs and circumstances of the general populace. While there are nuanced differences in their approaches, Sangwol and Gwangdeok share common ground in four key areas: promoting accessible Buddhist thought, facilitating meditation practices, advocating for equality between laypeople and monastics, and contributing to societal betterment. Sangwol introduced a method of Guanyin meditation tailored for lay practitioners, bridging the gap between monastics and laypeople by proposing shared observance of precepts. Gwangdeok Sunim’s initiatives included publishing Buddhist literature for public consumption, organizing study sessions and meditation retreats, and granting laypeople the authority to partake in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies. Through this comparative analysis, the paper enriches our understanding of the evolution of Korean popular Buddhism, illustrating its transition from a religion for the masses to one shaped by their active participation.