Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism (S U N Y Series in Korean Studies)

An overview of Korean Buddhism and its major figures in the modern period.The first book in English devoted exclusively to modern Korean Buddhism, this work provides a comprehensive exploration for scholars, students, and serious readers. Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism focuses on three key areas: Buddhist reform, Zen revival, and the interrelationship of religion, history, and politics. In Korea, the modern period in Buddhism begins in earnest in the late nineteenth century, during the closing years of the Choson dynasty, which was characterized by a repressive brand of neo-Confucianism. Buddhist reformers arose to seek change in both Buddhism and Korean society at large. The work begins with a look at five of these reformers and their thought and work. The Zen revival that began at the end of the nineteenth century is covered from that period to contemporary times through an exploration of the life and thought of important Zen masters. The influence of Japanese Buddhist missionaries, the emergence of Korean engaged Buddhism, known as Minjung Buddhism, and the formation of modern Buddhist scholarship in Korea are discussed as well.“This outstanding collection will be highly valued by the scholarly community for the way it deals comprehensively and insightfully with an important though relatively unexplored topic in the modern era.” — Steven Heine, author of Zen Skin, Zen Marrow: Will the Real Zen Buddhism Please Stand Up? The first book in English devoted exclusively to modern Korean Buddhism, this work provides a comprehensive exploration for scholars, students, and serious readers. Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism focuses on three key areas: Buddhist reform, Zen revival, and the interrelationship of religion, history, and politics. In Korea, the modern period in Buddhism begins in earnest in the late nineteenth century, during the closing years of the Chosŏn dynasty, which was characterized by a repressive brand of neo-Confucianism. Buddhist reformers arose to seek change in both Buddhism and Korean society at large. The work begins with a look at five of these reformers and their thought and work. The Zen revival that began at the end of the nineteenth century is covered from that period to contemporary times through an exploration of the life and thought of important Zen masters. The influence of Japanese Buddhist missionaries, the emergence of Korean engaged Buddhism, known as Minjung Buddhism, and the formation of modern Buddhist scholarship in Korea are discussed as well.'This outstanding collection will be highly valued by the scholarly community for the way it deals comprehensively and insightfully with an important though relatively unexplored topic in the modern era.'— Steven Heine, author of Zen Skin, Zen Marrow: Will the Real Zen Buddhism Please Stand Up?Jin Y. Park is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at American University. She is the author of Buddhism and Postmodernity: Zen, Huayan, and the Possibility of Buddhist Postmodern Ethics and the editor of several books, including Buddhisms and Deconstructions. Introduction Buddhism And Modernity In Korea / Jin Y. Park -- Individual Salvation And Compassionate Action: The Life And Thoughts Of Paek Yongsŏng / Woosung Huh -- Korean Buddhist Response To Modernity: Manhae Han Yongun's Doctrinal Reinterpretation Of His Reformist Thought / Pori Park -- Sotʼaesan's Creation Of Won Buddhism Through The Reformation Of Korean Buddhism / Bongkil Chung -- Yi Nŭnghwa, Buddhism, And The Modernization Of Korea: A Critical Review / Jongmyung Kim -- Gendered Response To Modernity: Kim Iryŏp And Buddhism / Jin Y. Park -- Mirror Of Emptiness: The Life And Times Of The Sŏn Master Kyŏnghŏ Sŏngu / Henrik H. Sørensen -- Sŏn Master Manʼgong And Cogitations Of A Colonized Religion / Mu Soeng -- Sŏn Master Pang Hanam: A Preliminary Consideration Of His Thoughts According To The Five Regulations For The Saṅgha / Patrick R. Uhlmann -- Zen Master Tʼoeʼong Sŏngchʼŏl's Doctrine Of Zen Enlightenment And Practice / Woncheol Yun -- Sŏn Master Daehaeng's Doing Without Doing / Chong Go -- Japanese Missionaries And Their Impact On Korean Buddhist Developments (1876-1910) / Vladimir Tikhonov -- Minjung Buddhism: A Buddhist Critique Of The Status Quo: Its History, Philosophy, And Critique / John Jorgensen -- Formation Of Modern Buddhist Scholarship: The Cases Of Pak Chonghong And Kim Tonghwa / Sungtaek Cho. Edited By Jin Y. Park. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. An overview of Korean Buddhism and its major figures in the modern period. The first book in English devoted exclusively to modern Korean Buddhism, this work provides a comprehensive exploration for scholars, students, and serious readers. Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism focuses on three key areas: Buddhist reform, Zen revival, and the interrelationship of religion, history, and politics. In Korea, the modern period in Buddhism begins in earnest in the late nineteenth century, during the closing years of the Choson dynasty, which was characterized by a repressive brand of neo-Confucianism. Buddhist reformers arose to seek change in both Buddhism and Korean society at large. The work begins with a look at five of these reformers and their thought and work. The Zen revival that began at the end of the nineteenth century is covered from that period to contemporary times through an exploration of the life and thought of important Zen masters. The influence of Japanese Buddhist missionaries, the emergence of Korean engaged Buddhism, known as Minjung Buddhism, and the formation of modern Buddhist scholarship in Korea are discussed as well. ""Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism" focuses on three key areas: Buddhist reform, Zen revival, and the interrelationship of religion, history, and politics ... Buddhist reformers arose to seek change in both Buddhism and Korean society at large. The work begins with a look at five of these reformers and their thought and work. The Zen revival that began at the end of the nineteenth century is covered from that period to contemporary times through an exploration of the life and thought of important Zen masters. The influence of Japanese Buddhist missionaries, the emergence of Korean engaged Buddhism, known as Minjung Buddhism, and the formation of modern Buddhist scholarship in Korea are discussed, as well."--From the back cover