영어로 읽는… 재미로 훑는 … 한국불교 (3)

Ⅲ. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in Korean Buddhism

In the Buddhist world there are various kinds of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. This phenomenon originated within Mahayana Buddhism. Theravadin Buddhists only recognize the Buddha Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, as their spiritual teacher. Sakyamuni was born prince Siddhartha Gautama in northern India in the fifth century BC. However, Mahayana Buddhists conceive of Buddha as a Universal Buddha with an infinity of forms. As such, they worship not only the historical Buddha but also the universal Buddha, following the conception of three kinds of Buddha: the cosmic Buddha, the dharmakaya; the historical Buddha, Sambhogakaya; and the transformation Buddha, Nirmanakaya.

Among the many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, various Buddhist nations emphasize different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas based on their own Buddhist philosophy and way of practice. In the case of Korean Buddhism, Buddha Sakyamuni, Buddha Vairocana, Buddha Amithabha, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha are important and can be seen in many Korean temples.

Buddha Sakyamuni (석가모니; Seokamoni-bul in Korean) is the essential statue in most Korean temples. Korean Buddhists consider this Buddha as their main spiritual teacher, whose teachings can end human suffering in this world and lead toward the highest spirituality, namely Nirvana. The representative sculpture of the Buddha Sakyamuni is of a seated Buddha, the right hand hanging over the knee, palm inward, sometimes pointing with one finger, but usually with the whole hand, towards the earth. This mudra, or hand position, represents calling the earth to witness, and is most often associated with the Buddha Sakyamuni.

Vairocana Buddha (비로자나불; Birojana-bul in Korean) is the Cosmic Buddha who spreads the light of Buddhist Truth in every direction, the Buddha who embodies the wisdom of Universal Law. Vairocana is sometimes enshrined in his own building called the Great Light Hall, as can be seen in Haeinsa temple. This sculpture generally stands alone in the hall, but sometimes it is the central figure of a trinity attended by Majusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas.

Vairocana is usually depicted with his mudra. This is called the knowledge fist, and is made up of the right-hand diamond fist and the left-hand diamond finger. The diamond represents the supreme strength and durability of Buddhist knowledge. This mudra is a divine representation of the passions, and a comment on the intensity with which one aspiring to wisdom pursues this goal. Thus, the left index finger represents the world of sentient beings, and the surrounding right hand is the protection of the world of Buddhas.

Amithabha Buddha (아미타불; Amita-bul in Korean) is the Buddha of infinite light and governs the pure land, the Western Paradise. Because the faces of Amithabha and Sakyamuni are so similar and their symbolic hand gestures are the same, it is difficult to distinguish between them. One way to identify Amithabha Buddha is that he is associated with Avalokitesvara and Mahastamprapta (Taesaeji Bosal, in Korean), two important bodhisattvas.

Avalokitesvara (관세음보살; Gwanseum Bosal in Korean) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The meaning of her name is Hearer of Cries, and she is often pictured with her head slightly inclined as if listening to the pleas of the suffering. She is frequently pictured with a vase and willow spray. The vase contains amrita, the nectar of her compassion, or the waters of life. The willow branch represents her ability and willingness to liberally sprinkle sweet dew on the afflicted. The willow, which has long been considered to have medicinal value, also symbolizes her role as a healer.
Ksitigarbha (지장보살; Jijang Bosal in Korean) is the Bodhisattva of relieving the suffering of the nether world. He vowed not to become a Buddha until there are no more people suffering in hell. He is usually bald, or has closely-cropped hair, and holds in one hand a staff or a sistrum, and in the other, a jewel. This is the wish-fulfilling gem, a magical jewel which grants all selfless requests.

Most Korean temples have a shrine, housing pictures of Buddhist hells and heavens, to Ksitigarbha. This building serves for the benefit of the dead, and installed photos or memorial tables of recently deceased persons can be found here.

Written by Sowun