진주권역 불교문화 조사·발굴과 활용방안 -고려시대를 중심으로- = A Study on the Investigation, Excavation, and Utilization of Buddhist Culture in the Jinju Region: Focused on the Goryeo Dynasty

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper examines the development of Buddhist culture in the Jinju region during the Goryeo Dynasty and explores ways to utilize its Buddhist cultural heritage. Since previous studies have thoroughly investigated the Namhae Bunsadogam and Jaejo Daejanggyeong, this paper will only provide a brief mention of them.
It is understood that the central temples in the Jinju region during the Goryeo Dynasty included Jigoksa in the early period, Dansoksa in the middle and late periods, and Yongamsa in the very late period The Goryeo royal family s sustained interest in the Jinju region largely stems from its historical and geographical position as the center of Gyeongsang-udo province. Additionally, there was a recognition from the time of King Heonjong that this region was closely linked to the Goryeo royal family. From this perspective, the royal family's direct and ongoing support for the local community in terms of Buddhist thought and practice served to link the identity of the Goryeo state with that of the local community.
Starting with the establishment of Jigoksa by Jin-gwan Seok-cho (眞觀釋超, 912-964) during the reign of King Gwangjong in the early Goryeo period, the Gulsanmun sect became the dominant rorce in the region's Buddhist community. Later, when National Preceptor Daegam Tanyeon (坦然 1070-1159), a member of the Gulsanmun sect, made Dansoksa his hermitage, the influence of Gulsanmun monks and temples on the region continued to grow. During the military dictatorship period following Tanyeon, Hye-sim (慧諶, 1178-1234), the second abbot of Susunsa, and Manjong, a son of Choi U who was ordained under Hye-sim, resided there as well. Thus, from the early Goryeo period to the militaiy dictatorship era, the Seon sect of the Gulsanmun lineage led the Buddhist community in the Jinju region. However, during the period of Yuan intervention, the close relationship between the military dictatorship and Dansoksa ironically contributed to the temple's decline. To maintain peace and royal influence in the Jinju region, the Goryeo royal family designated Yongamsa temple on Yeongbongsan as the hermitage of National Preceptor Muoe Jeong-o in 1314.
Furthermore, in the Jinju region during the Goryeo Dynasty, there was the Sujeongsa temple (智異山水精社) on Jirisan Mountain in the early 12th century, where Jin-eok (津億) served as its abbot. Additionally, the Hwaeom Gyeolsa was held at Suamsa temple in the early 13th century, and books related to Pure Land faith were published by Jeong-an (鄭晏) during the military dictatorship period There was also the Maehyang (埋香) association at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty.
With the exception of the Hwaeom Gyeolsa, most of these activities reflect a strong inclination towards Pure Land faith, which aligned with the central Buddhist trend in Goiyeo. At the same time, another significant characteristic of Buddhist faith in this region is the active participation of both local Buddhists and the central government of Goiyeo.
Next, we must consider how to utilize the Buddhist cultural heritage in the Jinju region. The most important aspect or this is the urgent need to develop a well-organized understanding of the history of Buddhism in Jinju. It is essential to examine how Buddhism interacted with the local community as it was accepted and transformed throughout the region. Based on this understanding, we can better appreciate and utilize each temple and its unique Buddhist cultural heritage. Furthermore, there should be a follow-up process to reproduce and reintroduce this heritage in a way that is easily accessible to both local residents and foreign visitors. As a specific measure, this article proposes the establishment of a regional Buddhist cultural heritage experience center, operated jointly by representative temples in the area and local administrative agencies.