Download Korean Buddhism

Korean Buddhism
In order to understand Korean Buddhism today, it makes sense to examine its history.
What we find is a complex narrative with many chapters.
Its Transmission and Development
Korean history usually is divided into four periods:
the Three Kingdoms (?-668 A.D.),
the Unified Silla Kingdom(668-935 A.D.),
the Goryeo Dynasty(935-1392 A.D.),
and the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910 A.D.).
Although there is evidence of earlier contact with Buddhism, the official date
for the introduction of Buddhism to Korea from China is 372 A.D. Since that
time Korean Buddhism has been spread throughout the world and developed
for 1,600 years.
Korean Buddhism developed its distinctive characteristics and shaped its
unique form of Buddhism based on social and political circumstances in
each period.
First, the kingdom of Goguryeo -located in the northern area- invited a
monk from China with Chinese Buddhist texts and Buddha statues in 372
A.D. Later, Buddhism was introduced to the kingdom of Baekje, located in
the southwestern area- from Goguryeo in 384 A.D. In the case of the above
two kingdoms, the royal families first practiced Buddhism.
However, in the kingdom of Silla, the common people were attracted to
Buddhism. After Lee Chadon's martyrdom, King
Beopheung officially recognized Buddhism in 527
A.D.
In the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period,
the teaching of Buddhism was not of high quality
Buddhist philosophy and thoughts. However, the
spread of Buddhism produced a significant effect
on the development of many aspects of national
culture. Because of various invasions and
careless preservation, only a few recordsarchaeological sites, historical remains, and
books- exist.
But it can be considered that Buddhism at this time not only contributed to
the development of spiritual civilization, but also flourished in the
development of art: bells, pagodas, architecture, and paintings.
In 668 A.D., the kingdom of Silla conquered the other two kingdoms and
this period came to be called the Unified Silla period. Throughout the Unified
Silla period, Buddhism continued to prosper, and grew both academically
and culturally. Various rituals were developed and performed as spiritual
requests for protection from foreign invasions. During this time some of the
finest Korean Art was created. In particular, the famous rock statue of the
Buddha in Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju was carved in 732 A.D. It still
evokes a sense of beauty. Towards the end of the Unified Silla period, Zen
Buddhism was introduced from China and this added a new dimension to
Korean Buddhism because the Zen school emphasized meditation and direct
experience rather than concentration on studying Buddhist texts.
The Goryeo Dynasty assumed power in the 10th century and Buddhism
continued to be a national religion. The main focus of Goryeo Buddhism was
based on rituals and this created an unfavorable atmosphere for spiritual
development. In order to struggle against the ritualistic trend, several monks
emphasized the importance of combining Contemplative Zen and Textual
tradition. The formation of the cheontae school gave new life to Goryeo
Buddhism.
Buddhism slowly declined as the new rulers of the Joseon Dynasty adopted
Neo-Confucianism. The new interest in Confucianism led to the oppression
and restriction of Buddhism by some Joseon kings.
While the government persecuted Buddhism, politically and socially, the
common people continued to believe in it. Today, many new temples have
opened in towns. Approximately half the population of Korea is Buddhist.
Most Koreans, even though they may not call themselves Buddhists,
maintain a Buddhist view of life.
The Three Kingdoms of early Korea began to take actual formation during the third and
fourth centuries, as the various tribal leagues gradually developed larger and more stable
alliances.
Since that time, the teachings of the Buddha have remained at the core of a
heterogeneous blend of doctrine and practice informed by centuries of native beliefs,
customs, and politics that can only be described as uniquely Korean. The results of
these myriad influences include many national treasures such as the Sokkuram Grotto
Shrine and Tripitaka Koreana woodblock Sutras (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites),
as well as the dominant Chogye Buddhism of Korea, an Imje Son (in Japanese, Rinzai
zen) approach that emphasizes direct practice and experience over doctrine and ritual.