Kim Jong-wook, head of the Korean Buddhist Research Institute

By Chung Ah-young

The Korean Buddhist Research Institute led by professor Kim Jong-wook will hold a seminar to explore the appreciation of Buddhism in Korean history at the History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jogye Temple, Seoul on May 28.

Choi Myung-hon, professor emeritus of Seoul National University, will give a keynote lecture on “Korean history and Buddhism: Social Transformation and Change in Buddhism.” Choi will look at the religion’s responses to changes in Korean history and its modern challenges. He will also delve into how Buddhism has brought social change through its reaction to Korean history and how the religion has gone through ups and downs with thought-provoking reviews and insights.

Choi Yeon-shik, professor at Mokpo University, will discuss the present condition and problems of Vijnana studies in the Silla Kingdom. Vijnana studies are key to understanding ancient Korean Buddhism which has been frequently researched. He will emphasize the trend of Vijnana studies and their relevancy to other thoughts which are crucial to comprehensively shed light on ancient Buddhism.

Chung Byung-sam, professor of Sookmyung Women’s University, will deal with Hwaeom (Huayanin Chinese) philosophy and the development of Silla Buddhism. He will explore the social influence of Buddhist studies of the time, the diverse development of Hwaeom philosophy and stress new research material on Silla Buddhism should be found.

Kim Sang-hyun, professor of Dongguk University, will touch on the issue of the perception of ancient Buddhism in the Goryeo Kingdom based on the two books, “Haedong Goseungjeon” (Lives of Eminent Korean Monks) by Iryeon and “Samgukyusa” (A History of the Three Kingdoms) by Gakhun. Kim will discuss how Goryeo monks, such as Ven. Gakhun and Iryeon, developed Silla Buddhism through the two major historical works. Kim will look at Ven. Gakhun, who wrote ancient Korean history on an equal footing with China and the pride of national culture based on the development of Goryeo Buddhism. Kim will point out Iryeon also recounted the history based on Buddhism through the entire book.

Ven. Ingyeong, professor of Dongbang Graduate University, will focus on modern challenges of Goryeo “ganhwaseon.” Ganhwaseon is a traditional method of Seon meditation in which the main practice is to investigate “hwadu” in order to attain enlightenment toward True Nature. He will deal with the tradition and reality of Goryeo ganhwaseon and examine how it can be applied to modern people.
Kim Yong-tae, professor of the Korean Buddhist Research Institute of Dongguk University, will look at Joseon’s history of Buddhism in detail. He will investigate various documents and books that deal with various influences on Buddhist thoughts and paradigms from the Joseon period (1392-1910) to the colonial period (1910-45) and offer new perspectives on the issue.