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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 35

As a specialist in Korean as “mind creates the world” and and adaptability are hallmarks of
Buddhism, what would you “one is in all, all is in one.” On the Korean Buddhism.
regard as its uniqueness other hand, Seon (Chan; Zen)
compared to Japanese Buddhism, Buddhism advocates for the direct Christianity has grown rapidly
or even Chinese Buddhism? realization of Buddha nature within in South Korea over the past
one’s own mind as a pathway to century, eclipsing even the
Korean Buddhists have often enlightenment. Buddhist population. This is
touted the concept of “Unified very different compared to
Buddhism” as a defining feature Other Buddhist schools, aside from Christianity’s lack of success in
of Korean Buddhism, emphasizing Hwaeom and Seon, can be seen Japan. What are the main reasons
its inclusivity of various Buddhist through their traces in practice. In for this?
schools. However, this notion has contrast, Chinese Buddhism saw the
faced criticism from scholars in the flourishing of diverse schools, and Christianity played a pivotal role in
United States. They argue that it Japanese Buddhism was influenced shaping modern Korea, a contrast
oversimplifies the diverse landscape by Tendai, Lotus Sutra, and esoteric to its impact in Japan. Since 1867,
of Korean Buddhism. Indeed, the Buddhism. Notably, Cheontae Christian missionaries arrived in
uniqueness of Korean Buddhism lies (Tiantai; Tendai) Buddhism, Korea alongside Western forces,
not in a singular identity but rather traditionally considered a doctrinal and at that time, Christianity was
in its historical and social context. school in China and Japan, was perceived as an advanced religion
reclassified as a practice tradition in and culture by the Korean people.
The suppression of Buddhism Korea since the Goryeo Dynasty. Its introduction brought about
during the Joseon Dynasty significant changes, including
influenced the formation of the Despite enduring a 500-year period advancements in education,
current structure of Korean of official suppression during healthcare, and cultural norms.
Buddhism. The Joseon royal court the Joseon Dynasty, Buddhism Women and individuals from
consolidated Buddhist schools remained deeply ingrained in the lower social classes were afforded
into two categories: doctrinal and collective consciousness of the opportunities for education
practice schools, thus preserving Korean people. This resilience and societal advancement. For
two distinct traditions within is a testament to the enduring instance, in 1885, the American
Korean Buddhism. The doctrinal vitality of Korean Buddhism, which missionary Horace Allen founded
school, represented by Hwaeom gradually reclaimed its status Kwanghyewon, the first Western-
(Huayan) Buddhism, emphasizes as an official religion in modern style hospital, and commenced
the interconnectedness of mind Korea, boasting the second-largest teaching Western medicine to
and world, with teachings such number of followers. This resilience 16 students the following year.

Ven Domun and Ven Pomnyun Bhikshuni Dae Haeng (1927–2012) Ven Wolju (1934-2021)