1. United Shilla Period (668-935)


In 668 CE, Shilla conquered the other kingdoms and Buddhism became the central cultural force uniting the peninsula. This period came to be known as the United Shilla Period. Various rituals were developed and performed as spiritual requests for protection from foreign invasion which was seen to be a constant problem to the little peninsula standing between the two vastly larger civilizations of Japan and China. National sentiment was strong and the people worked hard for unity and understanding, with everything tending towards the realization of their patriotic aspirations. >From the very start, the Buddhism studied used a unified approach, the "One Mind," the universal interrelatedness of everything, as taught by Wonhyo. Throughout the United Shilla Period, Buddhism continued to prosper and grow, both academically and culturally. This was the time of the creation of some of the finest Korean art; the main temples of Korea were built; pagodas were erected; beautiful statues fashioned -- all of this was of profound significance to the country's Buddhist heritage. The famous rock statue of the Buddha in Sokkur-am cave, in Kyongju, was carved in 732: today it still evokes a sense of wonder and is one of the items on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Avatamsaka-sutra and the Lotus Sutra were the main focus of study. Much of the chanting concentrated on Amitabha, the Buddha of Universal Light, and Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Towards the end of the United Shilla Period, the Chan School (Son in Korean, Zen in Japanese) was introduced from China and this added a new dimension to Korean Buddhism. Meditation and direct experience were emphasized over concentration on studying the texts. Nine different schools emerged and they were known as the Nine Mountains of Son.