This paper is a research work on the situation of national Buddhist services in the early Joseon Dynasty from the perspective of a shifting religious mentality. Specifically, this research examined whether the reduction and abolition of national Buddh...
This paper is a research work on the situation of national Buddhist services in the early Joseon Dynasty from the perspective of a shifting religious mentality. Specifically, this research examined whether the reduction and abolition of national Buddhist ceremonies in the period occurred in the same or similar context with the changes in the offering services for ancestors or gods.
Unlike the periods of King Taejo, the founder of the dynasty, and King Jeongjong, King Taejong’s period served as a turning point for the reduction and abolition of Buddhist services sponsored by the government. Not long after King Taejong ascended the throne, he took a measure to abolish official Buddhist ceremonies, which resulted in termination of almost all of them, if not all. His measure was based on the newly emerged religious mind of the time, not solely on his own will. Since then, this policy has steadily expanded.
However, Buddhist services did not thoroughly disappear in the period of King Taejong. Although shrunk in comparison with the former period, various Buddhist services were still held relatively steadily until the end of his reign. Carried out irregularly and regarded as unlawful, Buddhist rituals were held in terms of provisional response to overcome the difficulties at that time. Especially when there were severe natural disasters, kings had to conduct any means possible, including Buddhist services, to comfort the people (靡神不擧), though the services were denied and reluctantly taken.
The rain ritual shows the changing situation. Since King Sejong, it continued to be held within the boundary of the new policy implemented by King Taejong. However, it gradually decreased in number, and when the King Seongjong era began, the ritual was denied its role as a provisional measure to comfort people and disappeared from the public scene.