Hyujŏng’s Sŏn’ga kwigam and its Historical Setting and Soteriological Strategies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to inquire into the historical setting of and soteriological strategies in Hyujong's Son 'ga kwigam (Speculum on the Son School), and was his response to contemporary historical and intellectual milieus. This article focuses on an examination of his strategies in the historical context and his soteriological approaches for people of inferior spiritual faculty, including the recitation of the Buddha's name and the incantation of spells. The first section of this paper discusses Hyujong's works and the major contents of his Speculum on the Son School. Then, the second section of this paper discusses Hyujong's strategies in the composition of his most important work in the historical context. An epilogue to the Speculum on the Son School indicates that Hyujong compiled this book to teach his disciples who were ignorant, young, and in conflict in terms of Meditation and Doctrine. Keywords:Buddha; historical setting; Hyujong; soteriological strategies; Speculum on the Son School