Chinul's place in the history of Korean Buddhism - historical narative as a means of creation of positive self-identity
Abstract
This study deals with the assesment of master Chinul's place in the history of Korean Buddhism in connection with the general problem of the interpretation of national history. As it will be pointed out, modern nationalistic historiography in 20th century Korea seemed to try to find out some peculiar inherent characteristic of Korean Buddhism that would distinguish it from common pan-Asiatic tradition.
Consequently masters Wǒnhjo and Chinul came to be regarded as the most prominent figures in Korean buddhist history, embodying this putative "Korean" essence. However some representatives of the sangha refused this kind of self-perception and derived their legitimity and orthodoxy from the affiliation to transnational tradition.
Their appraisal of above mentioned masters therefore was less positive than was usual in academical discourse.