Intangible Culture ISSN:2799-3868(Print) 무형문화연구

The purpose of this article is to explore the current form and problems of Buddhist condolence prayer (sidarim), which is commonly encountered at funerals among Korean Buddhist rituals, and its development plan. Sidarim performed at a funeral hall is significantly different from the traditional funeral rites performed at temples in terms of content and form. First of all, it is clear that the funeral hall is not a place suitable for solemn prayers, as there is no altar for Buddha, and for those who conduct prayers ― monks, buddhist missionaries, funeral directors at temples, and ceremonial groups. In spite of these limitations, the executor Shidarim prays for the deceased’s rebirth in the Pure Land of Paradise in the West, and serves as a religious healing for the pain of loss suffered by the bereaved family. However, in some cases, such a prayer of condolences is held because of the relationship with the deceased even though there is no request from the bereaved family for the 49 rites of the temple. Also, especially during the monk’s condolence prayer, the bereaved family members who are grieving may feel an unexpected burden of having to pay a prayer fee. Taking these various variables into consideration, several conclusions were drawn on the modernization and popularization of condolence prayers in current Korean Buddhism. First, it is urgent to change the Korean language of condolence prayers, secondly, it is necessary to conduct condolence prayers according to the situation, and thirdly, it is necessary to guide the bereaved families in detail when praying. In addition, I propose the formation of a mutual aid association for members of the temple and the funeral committee under the temple, and I believe that through this institutional supplementation, Buddhist condolence prayers will be able to respond more professionally and systematically. In conclusion, I expect that this study will contribute to improving the quality of the current Korean Buddhist ritual, that is, the current Buddhist condolence prayer isolated like the Galapagos tortoise, as well as the propagation of non-religious people behind it.