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The History of Korean Buddhism |
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In order to understand Korean Buddhism today, it makes sense to examine its history. What we find is a complex narrative with many chapters. The story begins with the arrival on the Korean peninsula of Buddhist thought from China in 372 CE (Common Era).
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| Higher training course for Chogye order monks and nuns. | |
Since that time, the teachings of the Buddha have remained at the core of a heterogeneous blend of doctrine and practice informed by centuries of native beliefs, customs, and politics that can only be described as uniquely Korean.
The results of these myriad influences include many national treasures such as the Sokkuram Grotto Shrine and Tripitaka Koreana woodblock Sutras (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), as well as the dominant Chogye Buddhism of Korea, an Imje Son (in Japanese, Rinzai zen) approach that emphasizes direct practice and experience over doctrine and ritual.
As interest in Korean Buddhism continues to spread abroad, it can be said that its history is still being written. Moreover, although some Koreans today may not call themselves Buddhists, it is clear that Korean culture is primarily rooted in Buddhism, and all Koreans maintain a Buddhist view of life and the afterworld.
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