Intangible Culture ISSN:2799-3868(Print) 무형문화연구

This paper is a study on the jwabeop (seating method), which is considered as one of the important factors in the practice of Buddhist rituals. This jwabeop, which is a term used to describe the solemn manner of the practitioner in the ritual, is clearly contrasted in the Mahayana Buddhism region and the Theravada Buddhism region in terms of its mode. Among them, the most commonly handed down jwabeops (seating method) are Hogwe (互跪) in the Mahayana Buddhism and Ukkuṭika in the Theravada Buddhism, and the origin and usage of these Jwabeops (seating method) appear in various Buddhist texts of Mahayana and Theravada. In particular, these Jwabeops (seating method) are practiced in accordance with the provisions of Vinaya Pitaka in rituals such as the Gujokgye (Upasampadā, Higher Ordination), Posal (uposatha), and Jaja (Pavāraṇā, Rainy season retreat), which are the most basic rituals of Buddhist Sangha, and has been handed down in practice and ceremonial level. In fact, both Buddhist traditions had no choice but to undergo a process of transformation according to the culture and regional characteristics of the region in the process of being introduced and accepted, not only in doctrine but also in ritual practice. The translation of the Buddhist scriptures also went through the same process, and even in Buddhist literature containing the same Buddhist ritual, the aspect of this seating method is different in the Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism due to cultural differences in the region. The practice of Hogwe and Ukkuṭika Jwabeop that appears in the Buddhist traditions of each country today is a product of acceptance and transformation due to geographical factors and cultural differences. In particular, in the case of Geojwa (踞坐), a crouching seating method, it is translated into a posture similar to Hogwe in the Mahayana Buddhism region and is practiced in rituals, but in fact, this seems to be a variation of the Ukkuṭika seating method. Originally, the Jwabeop (seating method) has been used as a primary means for effective meditation practice since ancient times. However, the fact that Hogwe (互跪) and Ukkuṭika, which are somewhat painful and uncomfortable compared to cross-legged or semi-cross-legged seats, are being practiced in the most important Buddhist rituals such as Gujokgye and Posal, the practical meaning of this Jwabeop (seating method) can be used as a small indicator of wisdom and effort for the Buddhist Monk.