Abstract
This paper deals with the life and work of Jinul (知訥, 1158–1210), one of the most important figures of Korean Buddhism. It focuses on his role as a renovator of corrupt and decadent monastic Buddhism in Koryǒ dynasty and analyses philosophical foundations of his reform movement.
The analysis is based on Jinul’s extant works as well as on other primary sources such as Epitaph of National preceptor Pojo or Records of the renovation of Susǒnsa. First of all Jinul’s life is reconstructed in connection with the overall situation in Korean Buddhism and attention is paid mainly to the crucial turning points of his career.
As I tried to show, the most of his works and activities are responding to critical problems of the Buddhist community at that time. The next part of the paper gives possible answer to the question why is Jinul so highly esteemed and became so influential compared to other distinguished religious reformers and thinkers in Korean history.
The main reason is found in his integrated approach to Buddhist teaching and practice, based on his own spiritual experiences, that was universal enough to outlive him. In his teaching he managed to bridge the gap between doctrinal and meditational schools hitherto existing as separate traditions.
He also refuted defeatism stemming from the widespread belief in “the period of degenerated teaching” and in unattainability of the final enlightenment in this life. In the last part the paper briefly assesses Jinul’s legacy and his traces in contemporary Korean Buddhism.