Intangible Culture ISSN:2799-3868(Print) 무형문화연구

In this article, I will explain the phenomenon of fusion of shamanism and buddhism during the Goryeo Dynasty and examine how it should be viewed from a buddhist perspective. In chapter 2, I will briefly examine the role of shamans and the development of shamanism during the Goryeo Dynasty. In chapter 3, I will examine the phenomenon of fusion of shamanism and buddhism during the Goryeo Dynasty, including Palgwanhoe and the fusion of Indra belief and shamanism. This fusion of Indra belief and shamanism can be confirmed in Samguk Yusa Gojoseon article, where Iryeon annotates Hwanin(桓因) as Indra. In chapter 4, I will examine Han Yong-un's critique of the phenomenon of fusion of shamanism and buddhism during the Goryeo Dynasty, and I expose the limitations of his argument and examine the expedient perspective. In Joseon bulgyo yusillon(朝鮮佛敎維新論), he presents a critical view of the phenomenon of fusion of shamanism and buddhism, developing his argument from a state of enlightenment or relying on common-sense logical reasoning. I agree with Han Yong-un's argument. However, he goes a step further and criticizes the idea that the fusion of shamanism and buddhism should be accepted from an expedient perspective. The point of the argument is that the object of religious belief can be only one thing and not multiple things, and if multiple things were the object of religious belief, then religious belief would not be established. This is a biased argument because in everyday life, faith in multiple objects can naturally occur. Therefore, a perspective of expedient is necessary, and one sutra that best embodies this expedient spirit is Lotus Sutra. Therefore according to Lotus Sutra, expedient means is necessary because the religious capacity of sentient beings are diverse. This is precisely the spirit of expedient means. From this perspective, the fusion of shamanism and buddhism can be accepted to a limited extent.