5.2 The flourishing of Buddhism and its influence on literature

Buddhism flourished in Goryeo, becoming the state religion with royal support. Temples and monasteries spread across the country, becoming centers of learning and culture. This led to unique Korean forms of Buddhism and influenced art, literature, and daily life.

Buddhist schools like Seon, Gyo, and Jeongto gained popularity, each with distinct teachings. Syncretic movements emerged, blending different schools. Buddhism's influence on literature grew, with Buddhist themes appearing in poetry and prose, shaping Goryeo's cultural landscape.

Buddhism's Rise in Goryeo

State Support and Cultural Integration

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• Buddhism became the state religion of Goryeo received official patronage and support from the royal court and aristocracy
• Tripitaka Koreana created as a national project carved over 80,000 wooden printing blocks with complete collection of Buddhist scriptures
• Buddhist temples and monasteries proliferated across the country became centers of learning, art, and cultural production
• Integration of indigenous Korean beliefs with Buddhist practices led to development of unique Korean forms of Buddhism (Temple Stay programs, Templefood cuisine)
• Foreign Buddhist monks invited to Goryeo facilitated cultural and religious exchange (particularly from Song China)
• Buddhism's popularity among all social classes contributed to widespread influence on Goryeo society and culture
  • Shaped art, architecture, literature, and daily life
  • Influenced moral and ethical values of the society

Expansion and Dissemination

• Establishment of Buddhist educational institutions spread Buddhist teachings
  • Monastic schools trained new generations of monks and scholars
  • Public lectures and ceremonies increased lay understanding of Buddhism
• Development of printing technology aided in mass production of Buddhist texts
  • Woodblock printing allowed for wider distribution of sutras and commentaries
  • Increased literacy rates among the general population
• Pilgrimage routes to sacred Buddhist sites emerged across the Korean peninsula
  • Facilitated the spread of Buddhist ideas and practices
  • Boosted local economies and cultural exchange

Buddhist Schools in Goryeo

Major Schools and Their Teachings

• Seon (Zen) school emphasized meditation and direct insight into one's true nature as path to enlightenment
  • Practiced "hwadu" meditation focusing on key phrases or questions
  • Emphasized sudden enlightenment over gradual cultivation
• Gyo schools focused on doctrinal study and philosophical interpretation of Buddhist texts
  • Hwaeom (Huayan) school taught the interpenetration and mutual containment of all phenomena
  • Cheontae (Tiantai) school emphasized the Lotus Sutra and the concept of "3,000 realms in a single thought-moment"
• Jeongto (Pure Land) school gained popularity taught salvation through faith in Amitabha Buddha
  • Practiced recitation of Amitabha's name (nianfo) for rebirth in the Western Pure Land
  • Appealed to lay practitioners with its accessible practices
• Vinaya school emphasized strict adherence to monastic rules and discipline
  • Focused on proper conduct and ethical behavior for monks and nuns
  • Played crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the Buddhist sangha

Syncretic Movements and Esoteric Practices

• Syncretic movements emerged attempted to harmonize teachings of different Buddhist schools
  • Integration of Seon meditation practices with Gyo doctrinal study
  • Development of "Tongbulgyo" or Syncretic Buddhism unique to Korea
• Esoteric Buddhist practices incorporated into various schools during this period
  • Use of mantras and mandalas for spiritual cultivation
  • Rituals for protection, healing, and spiritual attainment (Yongsan Jeonghwa-sa Temple's fire ritual)
• Adaptation of Buddhist practices to address practical concerns of the populace
  • Rituals for good harvests, protection from natural disasters, and national defense
  • Integration of Buddhist and indigenous shamanic practices

Buddhism's Influence on Goryeo Literature

Buddhist Themes in Poetry and Prose

• Buddhist themes and imagery became prevalent in Goryeo poetry particularly in sijo and gasa forms
  • Use of Buddhist concepts like impermanence and emptiness in lyrical expressions
  • Nature imagery as metaphors for Buddhist teachings (lotus flowers, moon reflections)
• Prose works proliferated during this period included biographical accounts of eminent monks and miracle tales
  • "Lives of Eminent Korean Monks" compiled stories of notable Buddhist figures
  • Miracle tales served to popularize Buddhist teachings and inspire faith
• Buddhist sutras translated into Korean made religious texts more accessible to general population
  • Vernacular translations allowed for wider dissemination of Buddhist ideas
  • Contributed to the development of Korean linguistic and literary traditions

Buddhist Historiography and Philosophy

• Development of Buddhist historiography led to creation of works like "Samguk Yusa" by monk Iryeon
  • Integrated Buddhist narratives with Korean historical accounts
  • Preserved important cultural and historical information through a Buddhist lens
• Literary works exploring Buddhist philosophical concepts became more sophisticated
  • Treatises on emptiness, dependent origination, and Buddha-nature
  • Commentaries on major sutras and philosophical texts (Diamond Sutra, Heart Sutra)
• Popularization of Buddhist narratives and parables influenced storytelling traditions of Goryeo literature
  • Jataka tales (stories of Buddha's previous lives) adapted into Korean context
  • Buddhist moral lessons incorporated into popular folklore and legends

Buddhism and the Goryeo Elite

Royal Patronage and Political Influence

• Royal family and aristocracy actively patronized Buddhist institutions funded construction of temples and commissioned religious artworks
  • Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto exemplify royal support for Buddhist architecture
  • Commissioning of Buddhist paintings and sculptures for merit-making
• Buddhist monks often served as advisors to the king wielded significant political influence in the court
  • Monks like Uicheon and Jinul held influential positions in the royal court
  • Buddhist concepts of kingship and governance integrated into political ideology
• State examination system included tests on Buddhist scriptures integrated Buddhist knowledge into selection of government officials
  • Candidates required to demonstrate proficiency in Buddhist texts and philosophy
  • Created a class of scholar-officials well-versed in Buddhist thought

Monastic Power and Social Dynamics

• Royal princes often became Buddhist monks created strong ties between monastic community and ruling family
  • Prince Uicheon became a renowned Buddhist master and reformer
  • Monastic life provided alternative path for royal family members
• Buddhist rituals and ceremonies incorporated into state functions reinforced religion's role in governance
  • National protection rituals performed by monks for the state's welfare
  • Buddhist ceremonies marking important events in the royal calendar
• Accumulation of wealth and land by Buddhist monasteries sometimes led to tensions with secular aristocracy and attempts at reform
  • Monasteries became major landowners and economic powers
  • Periodic attempts to limit monastic wealth and influence (King Gongmin's reforms)
• Buddhist institutions provided social services and education
  • Temples operated as schools, hospitals, and social welfare centers
  • Contributed to the spread of literacy and cultural refinement among the elite