What is Korean Seon Buddhism?

What is Korean Seon Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight May 24, 2024 Duration: 18:45

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 88 - What is Korean Zen or Seon Buddhism? How does it syncretize with indigenous Korean religion? How is it different from Chinese Chan or Japanese Zen?

Shoutout to our listener John for sending us these questions!

Resources: Baker, Don (2001). "Looking for God in the Streets of Seoul: The Resurgence of Religion in 20th-Century Korea". Harvard Asia Quarterly 5 (4) 34–39.; Hong-bae Yi; Taehan Pulgyo Chogyejong (1996). Korean Buddhism. Kum Sok Publishing Co., Ltd. ISBN 89-86821-00-1.; Scoville-Pope, Bryan (2008). "Go Tell it Off the Mountain: Missionary Activity in Modern Korean Buddhism", Thesis (M.A.)--University of the West; Vermeersch, Sem. (2008). The Power of the Buddhas: the Politics of Buddhism during the Koryǒ Dynasty (918–1392). Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674031883; OCLC 213407432; Yoon Seung Yong (2012), The Movement to Reform Korean Buddhism, Korea Journal 52. No.3, pp. 35~63; Gupta, Santosh Kumar (2011),“Socially Engaged Jogye Order in Contemporary Korea,” ISKS Conference, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, 23–26 August 2011.; Buswell Jr, Robert E (1992), The Zen Monastic Experience: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Korea, Princeton, New JErsey: PUP.; Buswell, Robert E., ed. (2004). Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Macmillan Reference USA. pp. 430–435. ISBN 0-02-865718-7.; Cho Sungtaek (2002), Buddhism and Society, Korea Journal 42 (2), 119–136.; Buswell, Robert E. (1991a), Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen, University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0824814274; Buswell, Robert E. (1991b), The "Short-cut" Approach of K'an-hua Meditation: The Evolution of a Practical Subitism in Chinese Ch'an Buddhism. In: Peter N. Gregory (editor)(1991), Sudden and Gradual. Approaches to Enlightenment in Chinese Thought, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited; Buswell, Robert E. (1993), The Zen Monastic Experience: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Korea, Princeton University Press; Buswell, Robert E (1993), Ch'an Hermeneutics: A Korean View. In: Donald S. Lopez, Jr. (ed.)(1993), Buddhist Hermeneutics, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass; Keown, Damien; Prebish, Charles S. (2007), Encyclopedia of Buddhism: Sŏn Buddhism (Korean Zen), Routledge; Kim, Jinwung (2012), A History of Korea: From "Land of the Morning Calm" to States in Conflict, Indiana University Press; Lachs, Stuart (2012), Hua-t'ou : A Method of Zen Meditation (PDF); Marshall, R. Pihl (1995), "Koryŏ Sŏn Buddhism and Korean Literature. In: Korean Studies, Volume 19, 1995, pp. 62-82" (PDF), Korean Studies, 19 (1): 62–82, doi:10.1353/ks.1995.0007, S2CID 144954293; Park, Jin Y. (2010), Makers of Modern Korean Buddhism, SUNY Press; Sorensen, Henrik Hjort (1983), The Life and Thought of the Korean Sŏn Master Kyŏnghŏ. In: Korean Studies, Volume 7, 1983, pp. 9-33; Vong, Myo (2008), Cookies of Zen, Seoul, South Korea: EunHaeng NaMu, ISBN 978-89-5660-257-8


Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha ⁠https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu⁠!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Guest Episode - Katie Nolan - Dharma Voices for Animals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:54
Bright on Buddhism - Guest Episode - Dharma Voices for AnimalsJoin us as we speak with a very special guest, Katie Nolan, Communications Director for Dharma Voices for Animals, a Buddhist animal rights organization. http…
Tevijja Sutta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:07
Bright on Buddhism - Tevijja SuttaJoin us as we read and discuss the Bhikku Sujato translation of the Tevijja Sutta in its entirety.Resources: https://suttacentral.net/dn13/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none&n…
Asian Religions Series - Shugendō [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - ShugendōResources: Andrea Castiglioni, Fabio Rambelli, & Carina Roth, eds. Defining Shugendō: critical studies on Japanese mountain religion. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 202…
How do you cite sutras? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 127 - How do you cite sutras? Why does this matter? How do you read sutra citations?Resources: Cousins, L. S. (1982), Pali oral literature. In Denwood and Piatigorski, eds.: Buddhist Studies,…
Who is Xuanzang? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:23
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 126 - Who is Xuanzang? What were some of his views and written works? How did they affect Buddhism in East Asia?Resources: Beal, Samuel, trans. (1911). The Life of Hiuen-Tsiang. Translated fr…
Guest Episode - Marta Gyoergy-Kessler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:14
Bright on Buddhism - Guest Episode - Marta Gyoergy-Kessler Join us as we speak with a very special guest, Marta Gyoergy-Kessler, director and producer of the documentary Meeting The Buddha. Please also consider going to…
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:44
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 3Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discuss…
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:26
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 2Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discuss…
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:23
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 1Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discuss…
What is the second moral precept of Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:42
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 124 - What is the second moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time? Resources: Five Precepts: Collected Essays by Paul Dahlke (BPS…