Korean Buddhism In Modern Korea

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Buddhism’s encounters with modernity appear in different forms, depending on the regional specifics and historical contexts in which these encounters took place. Buddhism in modern Korea experienced modernity, yet their responses to modernity was that Korean Buddhists had to deal with their unique socio-historical and political situations. In this context, three aspects are especially noticeable in Korean Buddhism’s encounters with modernity. Buddhism served as an organizing ideology for rebellions and revolts during late 17th through 19th century Korea. Imperial grandeur, the ideology or priorities that underpin the Choson court, was an important factor in unifying Korea’s beliefs and the whole rebel movement. Buddhism was such a powerful …show more content…

In 1758, a bewitching shaman named Yongmu, who lived in Singye county (a county in southeastern Hwanghae) proclaimed herself an incarnation of Maitreya. Not only did she traveled from county to county, crowds gathered around her to proclaim her a living Buddha. People clasped their hands together and greeted her with bows. Yongmu ordered people to put a complete stop to the worship of other gods and spirits, saying “Buddha has appeared among you. What need is there to serve other gods?” (Sources of Korean Tradition 176) Similar to the incident in 1688, the government took over control of this uprising rebellion by executing the leader- Yongmu. As seen from examples, governments control on people belief was powerful. However, It is easy to excite the minds of the people but hard to quiet them …show more content…

Buddhism and modernity in Korea suggest that the Choson court need to move beyond modernization of Buddhism in order to conceive a vision of Buddhism modernity that will help people understand new aspects of unity. The effort of spreading positive idea and aspects of Buddhism will not only help shaped the society but also push the country toward modernization without conflicts or chaos in the future. Although the idea of Buddhism caused movements throughout centuries, it was rebel groups who appropriated the ideology besides political legitimacy or messianic faith that shaped the country. Despite the fact that the government maintained fairly tight control of the belief, there was never again the extreme suppression of the early Joseon presented in the future of

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