Tongbulgyo and Hwajaeng: The Development and Influence of Korean Interpenetrated Buddhism
Keywords:
Bodhisattva, Korean Peninsula, East Asian Buddhism, Baekje, Seon Lineage, Chan TeachingsAbstract
This paper explores the development and influence of Tongbulgyo (“interpenetrated Buddhism”) and the principle of hwajaeng (harmonization of disputes) in Korean Buddhism, highlighting how these concepts have distinguished Korean Buddhism from other Mahayana traditions. By analyzing historical texts and contemporary studies, this research investigates how early Korean practitioners, faced with perceived inconsistencies in imported Mahayana traditions, formulated a holistic approach that sought to reconcile doctrinal conflicts. Key research questions include: How did the principle of hwajaeng shape the evolution of Tongbulgyo in historical and modern contexts? What were the socio-political and cultural impacts of Tongbulgyo on Korean society during the Three Kingdoms and subsequent periods? The study synthesizes previous literature, including works by scholars such as Robert E. Buswell Jr. and Jin Y. Park, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique trajectory of Korean Buddhism and its enduring legacy in East Asian religious thought.
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