Buddhism

Definition

Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, around the 5th century BCE. It emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through practices such as meditation, moral living, and mindfulness. Buddhism deeply influenced various cultures and societies across Asia, especially during the Goryeo dynasty in Korea and through cultural exchanges along trade routes, where it blended with local beliefs and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Goryeo dynasty, Buddhism became the state religion and played a central role in politics, culture, and daily life.
2. The Goryeo dynasty saw the construction of significant Buddhist temples and the creation of important Buddhist texts, which promoted the faith across Korea.
3. Buddhism was crucial in shaping Korean art and literature, particularly through its influence on painting, sculpture, and poetry.
4. Cultural exchanges facilitated the spread of Buddhism from Korea to other regions, including Japan, where it evolved into distinct forms such as Zen Buddhism.
5. The establishment of the Tripitaka Koreana, a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto wooden blocks during the Goryeo dynasty, reflects the depth of devotion to Buddhism in Korea.

Review Questions

• How did Buddhism influence the political landscape during the Goryeo dynasty?
  • Buddhism significantly shaped the political landscape of the Goryeo dynasty by becoming the state religion. The ruling elite promoted Buddhist practices and values as a means to legitimize their authority. This connection between Buddhism and governance led to an increased number of temples being built and Buddhist scholars being supported, which reinforced its importance in society.
• Discuss how cultural exchanges contributed to the evolution of Buddhism in Korea and its impact on neighboring regions.
  • Cultural exchanges played a vital role in transforming Buddhism in Korea by facilitating interactions with neighboring countries such as China and Japan. As Korean monks traveled for study or pilgrimage, they brought back new ideas and practices that enriched Korean Buddhism. This exchange also allowed for Korean interpretations of Buddhist concepts to spread to Japan, influencing its own religious landscape, particularly in forms like Zen Buddhism.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tripitaka Koreana in understanding Buddhist culture during the Goryeo dynasty.
  • The Tripitaka Koreana is highly significant for understanding Buddhist culture during the Goryeo dynasty as it represents a monumental achievement in both religious devotion and cultural preservation. Carved into over 80,000 wooden blocks, it showcases not only the depth of Buddhist scholarship but also reflects Goryeo's commitment to preserving these teachings amidst political turmoil. This vast collection served as a crucial resource for future generations and highlights Korea's unique contribution to global Buddhist literature.

Related terms

Zen Buddhism: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience over theoretical knowledge.

Bodhisattva: A person who is on the path to Buddhahood but postpones their own enlightenment to help others achieve it.

Sutra: Sacred texts in Buddhism that contain the teachings of the Buddha and important philosophical concepts.