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Study of Buddhist Poetry and Shinhae Theory of Hamwol Hae-won

  • Korean Language & Literature
  • 2006, (58), pp.107-131
  • Publisher : Korean Language & Literature
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature

김석태 1

1전남대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Hamwol Hae-won (1691-1770) is a representative poet of Buddhist poetry. He is a disciple of Hwanseong Ji-an (1664-1729) and a Buddhist priest of the sect of Cheong-heo Hyujeon (1520-1604). Hamwol studied Buddhism during 6 years as Hwanseong's disciple from the time he was 14 years old. Specifically, he deeply read the Avatamska Sutra (Hwa-eom) and Seon. He taught Buddhist priests for 40 years, and became the 11th of 13 representative teachers. Cheon-gyeong-jip is a collection of 201 poems and 44 essays. His poetry was composed of simple sequences like Ojeol, Chilheol, Oyul, and Chillyul, though we can find his interests and observations about literature throughout his collection. His view of literature is based on Shinhae theory. Sinhae theory studies Enlightenment by intuition, not by following the direct meaning of words. In this way Jihae is the opposite of Shinhae. The basis of Jihae is to try to understand about intuition with language and knowledge in their understanding. Hamwol thinks that 'Poem is the same as Seon', and his thinking is based on Sinhae theory. A reason to write poetry and study Shinhae theory was that he wanted to display his intuition through his poetry as a Buddhist priest. He successfully wrote Buddhist poetry that has the teachings of Buddha, expressing the beautiful life of a Buddhist priest who lived in a mountain temple. In a word, Hamwol's poem suggests to “Transcend Jihae and study Sinhae”. He was a important poet who greatly influenced Buddhist literature in the 18th century.

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