Buddhism In Korea Research Paper

1029 Words3 Pages

Michael Deck
3/3/15
W’International Korea
Buddhism in Korea
Shamanism
Before Buddhism, the main religion in Korea was Shamanism which is still practiced by many in Korea. Shamanism beliefs are that human beings as well as natural forces and objects all possess spirits which must be appeased to. Even educated and young Buddhist Koreans have a belief in spirits and regularly visit the Shaman for ritual.
Since Shamanism was not seen to be in conflict with Buddhism, the two religions blended to form a different type of Buddhism that is uniquely practiced in Korea. Buddhism first arrived in Korea 372 A.D. when a monk arrived from China bringing Chinese texts and statues. It was just the start of Buddhism that he taught, consisting of the teaching …show more content…

It was in Koguryo that Buddhism was first established. Buddhism flourished during the Goryo Dynasty, but the arrival of the Joseon Dynasty resulted in a sort of extinction of Buddhist monks and believers as it was replaced by Neo-Confucian ideas. In 1388, a general named Yi ordered his military in rule and eventually he established himself as the first ruler of the Dynasty with the support of his Neo-Confucian movement. The number of Buddhist temples was reduced, and Buddhist monks were literally chased away from their homes and temples and were not allowed to come to the Confucian socety. So they proceeded to move their temples and Buddhism fell into decline. Buddhists kept a low profile, however, until the end of the dynasty. During the new Japanese period, some of remaining restrictions were lifted. Japanese Buddhists demanded the right to live and practice their religious beliefs in the cities, lifting the five-hundred year ban on monks entering cities. The formation of new Buddhist sects, such as Won Buddhism, and the presence of Christian missionaries during this period led to further uproar in traditional Korean Buddhism. Japanese Buddhism allowed priests to marry, and the Japanese authorities encouraged this practice in Korea. From 1910 to 1945, Buddhism was again tolerated. Today, Korea, which was once a leading Buddhist country, boasts only 50% of the …show more content…

Like these principles, Buddhist values are also important in Korean Art. From the art of making paper lanterns for the Buddha's Birthday to building a temple, most Buddhist arts combine such values as patience, perseverance and perfection. As a young Buddhist, you are learned to build everything by hand to further your knowledge in Buddhism. For, he is not only learning the art or craft but he is also practicing Buddhism as he studies. Now that these traditional values are declining, however, monks are reviving many ancient Buddhist arts and craft, such as paper-making, bookbinding and the traditional tea ceremonies. All Buddhist Art also delivers a philosophical message. The Buddha, usually depicted in teaching or meditating pose, represent the potential human perfection within all of us. They represent either a spiritual being to turn to in times of crisis or the ability in all of us to aid others in times of distress. The temple in general, represents a place of peace, tranquility and perfection, a source of inspiration on our spiritual

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