Secularization and Desecularization of Modern Korean Buddhism

Abstract

This study aims to diagnose the secularization of modern Korean Buddhism in terms of the Buddhist monks’ values, the management of the community of saṃgha, and the legal system of the Buddhist order, and to suggest methods for desecularization in each area. In modern society, the Buddhist monks’ values are becoming materialistic like those of secular people. The management of the saṃgha is becoming politicized and commercialized like a secular organization, and the legal system of the Buddhist order imitates social legislation. This study suggests the following methods for desecularization: in the Buddhist monks’ values, the education of the saṃgha, a daily living environment for Buddhist monks, and the guidance of the preceptors have to be unified in order to see people’s true natures and awaken people to the way. Moreover, in the management of the community of saṃgha, lay Buddhists must take their place as the main agents of managing the system of the Buddhist community so that Buddhist monks can devote themselves to Buddhist practice and missionary work. In the legal system of the Buddhist order, it is necessary to abolish the secular democratic system of elections and adopt a Buddhist democratic system known as karman(kalma 羯磨).