4. Pursuit of Harmonization and Unification


The pursuit of harmony and unification were constant focal points of Korean Buddhism. This is most remarkable in the history of Korean Buddhist thought, and it originated from Shilla Master Wonhyo's Buddhist thought. His whole thinking is centered on the idea of reconciliation. Through his creative theory, he harmonized the two different Buddhist values of categories of reality and ordinary categories which had been considered a problem. Also, he brought together the concept of the "void" (of Madhyamika philosophy) and that of "existence" (of Vijnanamatravada philosophy) -- a subject of argument in Indian and Chinese studies -- in the structure of his concept of the "One Mind."

This characteristic of harmonization and unification is also seen in the Vijnanamatravada thought of Master Wonch'u k and the Avatamsa thought of Master Uisang. Even more so, we find this dimension in the writings of Master Uich'on whose theory of dual practice of study and meditation aimed at the harmonization of doctrinal theories and actual practice, and so the unification of Meditation and Study which were in great conflict at that time. Master Chinul's Zen thought is the same. He boldly accepted Study, especially Avatamsa, which had been denied by the Meditation Schools and by that act he brought Meditation and Study together. Once again in the Zen thought of Master Sosan, during the Choson Dynasty when Buddhism was being persecuted, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism were brought together.

These trends of individuality, ideological foundation, reformation, and harmonization continue today. With 16 centuries of history behind it, Korean Buddhism now has a big responsibility to continue in the same vein. Korean Buddhist thought and culture are the ideological foundation of the Korean people and the driving force behind the development of the country. Today as much as ever, Korean Buddhism is Korean history. Therefore Buddhism is now being strongly urged to once again bring a fresh philosophical ideology and way of practice applicable to modern society.