한말 승려들의 의병에 대한 태도와 동향

Buddhist Monks’ Attitude on Struggle of Righteous Army in the End of the Great Korean Empire

The righteous armies against the invasion of Japan frequently used the Buddhist temples located deep in the mountains as their base or assembly area. At this time, the Buddhist monks have also directly involved in the activities Righteous Army or they made contributions by providing the use of Buddhist temple as well as various material assistances to the righteous armies. There is an aspect of the Buddhist monks were obliged to accept the stationing of the righteous army at the Buddhist temple. However, the Buddhist monks were also in agreement with and supporting the great causes of righteous army. When the Buddhist temple began to be used as the base for righteous army, Japanese forces began to repress Buddhist temples. Buddhist temple at which righteous army was stationed became the target of arson. With the continued repression by the invading Japanese forces, it was no longer possible for the Buddhist monks maintain their existing attitudes. Buddhist monks who previously were assertively cooperative to the righteous armies gradually began to display non-cooperative attitude. Some of the Buddhist monks began to take assertive approaches to maintain the well-being and sound existence of Buddhist temple. Although they submitted petition to the Japanese Resident-General for the reduction or elimination of the difficulties they are being subjected to, it seems that this petition was not heeded to. At this time, the Japanese Buddhism approached the Buddhist monks in Joseon for the purpose of expanding their congregation in Joseon. The Buddhist monks of Joseon, without anyone to rely on and to seek assistance, decided to join hands with Japanese Buddhism in the format of ‘Administration petition’. Accordingly, the righteous army war imparted substantial influence on the attitudes and awareness of the realities of the Buddhist monks.