6세기 신라에서의 왕권과 불교 간의 관계

Buddhism and Kingship in the Sixth Century Silla

&nbsp;&nbsp;This paper seeks to place Buddhism against the background of political changes taking place in Silla in the sixth century. It has been demonstrated that material changes and the attendant process of social transformation led to the transfition of Silla during the reigns of King Pophung and King Chinhung in the 6th century to an early state.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;The political history of this era is marked by the ceaseless consolidation of a centralised monarchy at home and constant conquest and expansion beyond the border, the two processes being bound together in a dialectical relationship. The importation of Buddhism under the patronage of the state in the sixth century strengthened the ideological foundation of the state by providing the people of Silla with coherence and cohesion.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;At the same time the state patronage of Buddhism was a symptom of the growing maturity of Silla？ institutions and the attendant increase in self-confidence.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;Buddhism succeeded in expanding its appeal and influence in the subsequent period because it could more effectively perform many of the functions that shamans were hitherto called upon to fulfil. Besides, due to many aspects of commonality between the rulers of non-Han dynasties of North China and Silla in terms of their beliefs and customs, the Buddhism of the Northern Wei proved to be ideal model for the Silla rulers to import.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;King Chinhung made earnest efforts to promote Buddhism and the related<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;"Chinese Cultural package". He named his sons Tongnyun (Bronze Wheel) and Saryun (Iron Wheel), two of the four kinds of Cakravartin thus invoking the Buddhist concept of supreme kingship to justify his war of peninsular conquest.