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A Theoretical Study on the Relationship Between Wŏnhyo and Wŏnch’ŭk

LEE MINSEONG 1

1Ruhr-University Bochum

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study is an introductory article examining the relationship between Wŏnhyo (元曉, 617-686) and Wŏnch’ŭk (圓測, 613-696). Based on digital analysis using the CBETA database and SAT program, as well as historical background and their texts, the paper raises reasonable doubts about the relationship between the two Buddhist scholars and proposes a new approach. First, using the CBETA and SAT program, the paper presents the results of a search for key words related to major debates in Wŏnhyo's Taehyedogyŏng chongyo 大慧度經宗要. These results provide macro indicators that Wŏnhyo and Wŏnch’ŭk were interested in similar subjects. Second, the paper sheds light on the conflict between Kuiji (窺基, 632-682) and Wŏnch‘ŭk by exploring the historical background of the construction of Temple Ci’en and Temple Ximing, where both scholars resided. Specifically, the involvement of Wu (the concubine of Emperor Gaozong, who later became Empress Wu Zetian) is discussed. Additionally, the paper considers how the conflict may have influenced Wŏnhyo. Third, it reveals that within Taehyedogyŏng chongyo, which is related to this historical background, Wŏnhyo made the same argument as Wŏnch’ŭk on a specific subject, along with expressing a critical opinion about Kuiji’s view. Based on these results, although Wŏnhyo and Wŏnch’ŭk may not have met directly, the paper suggests a high possibility of indirect influence between them.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.