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

This study examines Cho Chong hyŏn’s Buddhist scholarship and his proposals for reforming the Sangha education system, as presented in the Buddhist journal Pulgyo. Particular attention is given to his “Lectures on the Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna” (Daesunggisinrongangeui) and “Education and Institutional Reform in Monk’s Academy” (Ganwon-gyoyukgwa jedogaesin).
The “Lectures on the Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna” were published in seven installments in Pulgyo between 1932 and 1933. Analyzing these lectures reveals Cho Chong hyŏn’s understanding of the text and his unique teaching approach. Each lecture typically consisted of four parts: the original text, a Korean translation, an explanation, and a set of terminology notes. Notably, he focused on psychological and cognitive elements over observable phenomena, reflecting both the period’s interpretative tendencies and his own Yogācāra background.
In “Education and Institutional Reform in Monk’s Academy,” Cho Chong hyŏn criticized seven aspects of the traditional Buddhist education system, suggesting changes in both curriculum and instructional methods. He proposed updating the traditional four-level curriculum to a three-tier system-elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels- while incorporating Buddhist history and introducing modern methods such as regular testing and specialized instructors in various subjects.