땅설법 논의 활성화를 위한 시론

Abstract

Ttangsŏlbŏp refers to the transmission of Buddhist teachings to the public in a relaxed atmosphere after the completion of Buddhist rituals. Ttangsŏlbŏp incorporates elements of folk culture and is carried out using the Korean language devoid of classical Chinese characters. However, it has been impossible to know the true nature of Ttangsŏlbŏp, and it was believed the practice itself had ceased entirely. However, recently Korean Buddhist monk Tayŏ(茶如) has again begun the transmission of Ttangsŏlbŏp at Anjeongsa(安政寺) Temple in Samcheog, Gangwon Province. Ttangsŏlbŏp is composed of six chapters: the story of Sakyamuni, Sudhana’s seeking of the dharma, the story of Maudgalyayana, the story of Monk Manseok, the story of the Sŏngju Spirit, and the story of the Shinjung Spirit. So far, three chapters—the story of Sakyamuni, the story of the Sŏngju Spirit, and the story of the Shinjung Spirit—have been performed over the course of two public performances. Inthisessay I wil lattempt to define the nature of Ttangsŏlbŏp on the basis of these three chapters. These three chapters display astructure which combines instructionaloration(講), pansori singing(唱) and performance(演). Moreover, its philosophical foundation comes from the Avatamska Sutra and Hwaŏmsŏngjung(華嚴聖衆) belief. Although Ttangsŏlbŏp incorporates many folk elements, it is not devoid of Buddhist teachings. Indeed, Ttangsŏlbŏp offers a useful tool for the edification of the unenlightened. Ttangsŏlbŏp’s primary objective is the conversion of the public and therefore accepts folk culture as an expedient for easily communicating with the public. This paper shows that Ttangsŏlbŏp is not simply an amusing performance, but can conform to the needs of any particular Buddhist assembly for worship and is an appropriate form for experiencing reality as a harmonies, and uninterrupted whole. Going forward, the original form of Ttangsŏlbŏp must be unearthed and recorded. Additionally, the remaining three chapters of Ttangsŏlbŏp should be performed and researched in depth. In doing so, Ttangsŏlbŏp could become the next magnificent intangible cultural asset of South Korea. I also look forward to Ttangsŏlbŏp being able to expand the horizons of Buddhist edification of the public, Buddhist culture, and Buddhist festivals.