4.4 The development of Seon (Zen) Buddhism and its impact on literature

Seon Buddhism shook up Korea's spiritual scene in the late 8th century. It brought a fresh take on enlightenment, emphasizing personal experience over book learning. This new approach resonated with many during Silla's tumultuous times.

Seon's influence rippled through Korean literature, introducing new genres and ideas. It sparked a shift towards more intuitive expressions, using everyday experiences to convey deep truths. This blend of simplicity and profundity left a lasting mark on Korean literary traditions.

Seon Buddhism in Unified Silla

Introduction and Early Development

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• Seon Buddhism entered Korea from China in the late 8th century through monk Doui, a student of Mazu Daoyi
• Nine Mountain Schools of Seon (Gusan Seonmun) emerged during late Unified Silla, representing diverse Seon lineages and teachings
  • Examples of these schools include Gajisan and Seongjusan
• Seon Buddhism prioritized direct experience and sudden enlightenment over scriptural study and gradual cultivation
  • This approach contrasted with earlier Korean Buddhist traditions (Hwaeom and Yogacara schools)
• Seon's development coincided with Silla's political and social upheaval, increasing its appeal among elites and commoners
  • Factors contributing to its popularity included:
    • Disillusionment with established Buddhist institutions
    • Desire for more accessible spiritual practices
    • Attraction to Seon's emphasis on personal experience

Key Figures and Establishment

• Influential early Korean Seon monks established important centers and lineages
  • Muyeom founded the Seongju Mountain school
  • Hongcheok established the Silsangsan school
  • Hyecheol created the Dongnisan school
• Seon tradition initially faced resistance from established Buddhist schools
  • Criticisms included:
    • Perceived lack of scriptural foundation
    • Unconventional teaching methods
• Gradual acceptance and royal patronage occurred by the end of Unified Silla
  • King Gyeongmun (r. 861-875) supported Seon master Doeui
  • Royal support led to the construction of Seon monasteries and temples

Seon Influence on Korean Literature

New Literary Forms and Expressions

• Seon Buddhism introduced novel literary genres
  • Gong'an (koan) became a significant form of Buddhist literature
    • Example: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
  • Enlightenment poetry (dongsan si) emerged as an important genre
    • Characterized by spontaneous expressions of spiritual insights
• Seon's emphasis on direct experience influenced more intuitive literary expressions
  • Use of paradoxical language to convey ineffable truths
  • Incorporation of everyday objects and experiences as metaphors for enlightenment
• Seon aesthetics impacted Korean poetry, painting, and calligraphy
  • Simplicity, spontaneity, and naturalness became key aesthetic principles
  • Example: Sparse, minimalist landscapes in painting and poetry

Conceptual and Thematic Influences

• "Sudden enlightenment" (dongeum) concept shaped narrative structures and themes
  • Stories often culminated in moments of profound realization
  • Characters experienced abrupt shifts in perception or understanding
• Focus on the present moment and everyday experiences shifted literary themes
  • Increased attention to mundane and seemingly insignificant aspects of life
  • Elevation of ordinary objects and actions to vehicles of spiritual insight
• Hwadu (critical phrase) meditation practice influenced poetic and prose language
  • Use of paradoxical and enigmatic expressions became more common
  • Example: "What was your original face before your parents were born?"
• Seon's view on language limitations led to literary experimentation
  • Exploration of silence and indirect expression in poetry and prose
  • Development of suggestive and allusive writing techniques

Seon Themes in Korean Literature

Poetry and Collected Works

• Seon Buddhist poetry became a significant genre expressing insights and experiences
  • Renowned monk-poets included Jinul and Hyesim
  • Characteristics of Seon poetry:
    • Direct, often colloquial language
    • Use of natural imagery as metaphors for spiritual states
    • Emphasis on immediate, lived experience
• "Collected Works of Korean Buddhism" (Hanguk Bulgyo Jeonseo) contains numerous Seon-influenced texts
  • Includes treatises, commentaries, and poetry collections
  • Represents a vast repository of Korean Seon thought and literature

Narrative and Inscription Literature

• Seon-influenced narrative works popularized teachings through stories and anecdotes
  • "Tales of the Seon Masters" (Seonsa Eorok) exemplified this genre
    • Contained biographical accounts and teaching stories of famous Seon monks
• "Inscription literature" (geumseok mun) often incorporated Seon Buddhist themes
  • Temple and stupa inscriptions frequently reflected Seon concepts
  • Examples include:
    • Inscriptions at Haeinsa Temple
    • Stele inscriptions commemorating important Seon masters
• Sijo poetry, while not exclusively Buddhist, frequently incorporated Seon-influenced themes
  • Characterized by its compact three-line structure
  • Often expressed Seon insights in a concise, memorable form
• Landscape poetry (san-su si) reflected Seon concepts of nature and enlightenment
  • Mountains and rivers served as metaphors for the enlightened mind
  • Emphasized the unity of self and nature

Syncretic and Philosophical Works

• Prose works integrated Seon Buddhist principles with other philosophical traditions
  • "The Mirror of the Three Religions" (Samga Gwigam) by Hyujeong combined Seon, Confucian, and Daoist thought
    • Demonstrated the syncretic nature of Korean intellectual tradition
  • Such works aimed to show the underlying unity of different spiritual paths

Seon's Impact on Korean Literature

Aesthetic and Stylistic Influence

• Seon Buddhism contributed to the development of a distinct Korean literary voice
  • Blended Chinese forms with native sensibilities and Buddhist insights
  • Created a unique literary tradition that persisted through various historical periods
• Seon aesthetic of simplicity and directness influenced Korean poetry into the Joseon period
  • Continued to shape poetic expression even as Neo-Confucianism became dominant
  • Examples include the works of Joseon-era poets like Jeong Cheol and Yun Seon-do
• Seon's impact on calligraphy and visual arts indirectly influenced literary aesthetics
  • Affected manuscript production and presentation
  • Emphasized the visual and material aspects of literary works as objects of contemplation

Thematic and Conceptual Legacy

• Seon Buddhist themes became recurrent motifs across various genres and periods
  • Impermanence, non-attachment, and the illusory nature of reality
  • These concepts appeared in both explicitly Buddhist and secular works
• Seon emphasis on personal experience influenced more subjective literary forms
  • Led to the development of introspective and autobiographical writing styles
  • Encouraged the expression of individual spiritual experiences in literature
• Seon concepts provided rich sources of metaphors and allegories in Korean literature
  • Continued to be used long after the decline of institutional Buddhism
  • Examples include:
    • The use of "moon in the water" as a metaphor for illusion
    • "Finger pointing at the moon" to represent the limitations of language
• Integration of Seon thought with native Korean traditions created a unique syncretic literature
  • Blended with shamanic traditions and later with Neo-Confucianism
  • This syncretic approach persists in modern Korean literature
    • Contemporary authors like Ko Un draw on this rich, multifaceted tradition