Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies 불교학연구 ISSN:1598-0642(Print)

This paper examines Uijeok’s(義寂) ideology. It is based on the comprehension of the Beophwagyeongronsulgi (法華經 論述記) in the second volume of the Hangukbulgyojeonseo (韓 國佛敎全書). Uijeok is a Fa-xiang scholar, who was active from the latter half of the 7th century to the beginning of the 8th century. It has been already known that Uijeok held a different view from that of Jaeun(慈恩), although he was a disciple of Hyeonjang(玄奘). This can be seen as well in the Beophwagyeongronsulgi . Uijeok mentions a possibility of entering nirvāṇa for the “Chwijeokseongmun” 趣寂聲 聞) and quoting “Sambeopryunseol” (the theory of three enlightenments and sermons for Buddhists; 三法輪説) by Jinje (眞諦), which criticizes Jaeun in an indirect way. However, he mostly follows Jaeun’s opinions with regard to ascetic exercises. In addition, his quotations from the Fa-xiang theses, e.g. the Seongyusikron (成唯識論), the Yugasajiron(瑜 伽師地論), also reveal that he was a Fa-xiang scholar. Based on the deep insights into the Beophwagyeongron (法華經論) , Uijeok interpreted the Lotus Sutra . In particular, his rendition of ilseung(一乘) is unique. He calls “Sipjongmusang” (ten kinds of excellence; 十種 無上) ilseung, as it were. Furthermore, he relates the understanding of ilseung with sipji (dasa-bhumi; 十地), the steps of Bodhisattva’s self-discipline, and emphasizes the attainment of its eight steps or higher. Uijeok pays attention to the change made by listening to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra . He argues that one can experience Buddhahood by listening to it. His understanding that listening to the Lotus Sutra was not incommensurable with the practice of asceticism-along with his open mind and patient fortitude-were qualities which the Silla people in the late 7th century, suffering, as they were, from the aftermaths of too many wars, found approachable and accommodating.