Buddhism

Question 1

Patriotic buddhism

Answer 1

호국 불교
-Influenced by Pure Land Buddhism
-King = Buddha
-during war times: Righteous army formed by monk Seo-san and Sa-myeong
-Tripitaka Koreana 1236-1251

-호국 contributions:
-Goryeo Tripitaka: Most comprehensive collection of Chinese-language Buddhist scriptures worldwide
-Samgiik yitsa 삼국유사: One of the oldest surviving histories of Early Korea
Written by Monk Ilyon (1206-1289)
Contrast with the Samguk Sagi by Confucianist Kim Pu-sik
-Civil Service Examination: Administered examination for monks = same as bureaucrats
Monks can receive official titles whenever they passed the exam
Joseon Dynasty continued to use until year 1508

Question 2

Inclusiveness and Openness

Answer 2

-integrated with folk beliefs: Shamanism, Taoism
-Three Deity Hall -> located at the corner or backyard in Buddhist temples: Mountain god, Big Dipper Deity, Dokseong Deity

Question 3

One mind theory

Answer 3

화쟁 사상
-Mahayana Buddhism
-Monk Wonhyo- Silla dynasty- not biased to China→ concluded that all Buddhism interpretations were esencially pursuing enlightenment and the One Mind
–Wonhyo- most famous monk: he was way to China to learn more about classical buddhism, but one night in the mountain cave he felt thirsty, drank from a pumpkin shell → morning: it was actually blood in a skull → it all depends how you see, perception is important → returned to Korea → made Buddhism easier

-most popular in: Nepal, Japan, China, Tibet and Korea

-in Sanskrit means: “Great Vehicle” - Mahayana Buddhism teaching of bodhisattva

-bodhissatva = a person who has become awakened → the ability to reach Nirvana, but delay it to guide and teach others

-in Mahayana: anyone can become a bodhisattva → help to achieve freedom from suffering

-unlike Theravada Buddhism: M allows new teachings outside the Pali canon

-popular sutras: Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra

Question 4

Reincarnation

Answer 4

Born -> Suffer -> Die -> Reborn

Question 5

During Joseon

Answer 5

• Abolishment of monk examinations
• Temples no longer as tax-free land
• Monks were no longer welcomed as king’s advisors
• Wasn’t allowed to be practice in capital city (Seoul)
• Neo-Confucianism looked down on Buddhists