Esoteric Buddhism; Silla Buddhism; Bhaisajyaguru Buddha; Sinin Order; Abhisekha Sutra
摘要
Early Esoteric Buddhism was known on the Korean peninsula by its incantations for curing disease, repulsing national enemies and preventing natural disasters. Ever since Buddhism was first adopted by the early Korean kingdoms, Esoteric Buddhist beliefs had been embraced for the purpose of curing disease, which resulted in the faith`s mass popularity among Korean Buddhists. The Bhaisajyaguru Buddha faith also had a major role in protecting the country and its people from outer invasions and disasters, and many religious rites were executed by the Korean peninsula dynasties, culminating in the founding of religious orders of Esoteric Buddhism, such as the Chongi Order and the Sinin Order. The Bhaisajyaguru Buddha faith, which was known both for its capacity to cure disease and for protecting nations, was one of the main Buddhist faiths in Korean Buddhism and survived until the late Joseon dynasty. This paper examines the influence of Esoteric Buddhism with a specific focus on the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha faith tradition of Samguk yusa, in an attempt to find a unique trend of Esoteric Buddhism in Korean Buddhism.
