Book Description
Won Buddhism, one of the major religions of modern Korea, was established in 1916 by Pak Chung-bin (1891-1943), later known as Sot'aesan. In 1943 Sot'aesan published a collection of Buddhist writings, the Correct Canon of Buddhism (Pulgyo chongjon), which included the doctrine of his new order. Four years later, the second patriarch, Chongsan (1900-1962), had the order compile a new canon, which was published in 1962. This work, translated here as The Scriptures of Won Buddhism (Wonbulgyo kyojon), consists of the Canon (a redaction of the first part of the Pulgyo chongjon) and the analects and chronicle of the founder known as the Scripture of Sot'aesan. The present translation incorporates critical tenets from the 1943 Canon that were altered in the redaction process and offers persuasive arguments for their re-inclusion.

"Professor Chung has drawn on all the tools in his scholarly arsenal to convey the flavor and meaning of the original Korean texts. Written vernacular Korean was still very much a work in progress during the early twentieth century and the meaning of the Korean texts is not always clear-cut, even to the specialist. Professor Chung has taken an important first step in making this material intelligible to a Western audience." --- Robert E. Buswell, from the Foreword ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

What the World Needs Now
The Dharma taught by the modern master Soetaesan, called Won Buddhism around here, is eminently practical, accessible, elegant, and effective.I agree with Michael McCormick, the reviewer below, in every respect.I hope this translation makes the Won Dharma accessible to the disturbed, dissatisfied, and heartbroken in the English-speaking world (and that accounts for everyone at least sometimes).Americans are particularly lucky, as there are Won Temples open and ready to offer instruction and support in the U.S.

Part of the genius of Won Buddhism is its exceptionally clear presentation of the Dharma, without dumbing it down.Anybody can "get" it, all of it.

Won Buddhism advocates a society of well-educated people, led by the wise, and embracing full equality between men and women.Given the current chill ignorance and belligerance that mainstream American culture has become, I think the Won ideal is a noble aspiration for us to keep in mind.Here's to an enlightened future.

Down-to-earth Dharma for Everyone
Years ago when I was in college in Philadelphia I encountered Won Buddhism and an earlier translation of the teachings of their founder, Master Sotaesan. With the guidance of Rev. Bokin Kim, I was able to see how Won Buddhism presented a very well-rounded, streamlined, and practical approach to enlightenment. She also showed me the deep connections which Master Sotaesan't teachings had to Korean Buddhism which were not immediately apparent in the previous English translation of the Won Buddhist scriptures used at her temple at that time. Dr. Bongkil Chung's translation and introduction makes those connections much more apparent. And while his introduction can't replace the warm and generous spirit of Rev. Bokin Kim (who is now the academic dean of the Won Buddhist Institute in Abington, Pa) reading it certainly reminds me of all the things I learned from her and even fills in some crucial historical and doctrinal details that I had not known about before. Dr. Chung also forthrightly reveals some of the difficulties that Won Buddhism has had in defining itself as a Korean New Religion. Is it a self-sufficient teaching of Master Sotaesan, or was Sotaesan just trying to create a reformed and progressive version of Buddha Dharma? The differences between the 1943 and 1962 editions of the Korean text show that Won Buddhism has been leaning in the direction of independence from the broader Buddhist tradition, but Dr. Chung's translation of the 1943 edition shows that the original intention of Master Sotaesan may have been a renovation of Buddhism rather than a departure from it. As far as the content of the text itself, I personally feel that it is very much in keeping with the best traditions of East Asian Buddhism as well as Taoism and Neo-Confucianism. I actually visited the places where Master Sotaesan grew up, and they are still very rural. His far reaching and progressive vision of what Buddhism would have to become to speak to the modern world amazes me when I consider how restricted his early life and education was. Sotaesan's teaching in this book are in two parts. The first is the Canon which gives a straight forward lay out of his system. I find it very practical, and I even think that many parts of it will speak to Buddhists and perhaps people of other religions who will find the guidance and perspectives presented very helpful even if they are not or do not want to become Won Buddhists. The second part is the Scripture of Sotaesan. This may be more interesting as it is a collection of talks, anecdotes, and Dharma verses collected from throughout Master Sotaesan's time as a teacher. I think this section compares favorable with the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, and in many ways is more interesting and relevant because Master Sotaesan is addressing the problems of early 20th century Korea, including the problems of pseudo-religions, colonialism, technological advancements, and the encounter between Christianity and Buddhism. I think that Master Sotaesan't broad and magnanimous spirit, as well as his integrity and forward thinking can be an inspiration to all people, whether they are Won Buddhists, some other kind of Buddhist, or not even Buddhists at all. Master Sotaesan speaks to the sufferings and the aspirations of ordinary people who want to find out how to awaken in the midst of their daily lives.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei ... Read more

Product Description
Black Softcover Book With Gold Trimmed Pages. Gold letterings on the cover and on the spine. Book comes in a black slip box. ... Read more

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A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Yonsei University ... Read more

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Pamphlet ... Read more

Book Description
Syncretic Buddhism, like Christianity, has a long and honorable tradition in Korean religious thought. Pak Chung-bin (1891-1943) better known as Sot'aesan was a religious reformer and this study focuses on his reformation movement in Korea. Won Buddhism, its faith and practice, grew from this powerful religious (and national) movement. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is in a question/answer format from the perspective of the Ancient Wisdom. Ancient Wisdom and its modern day derivative - Agni Yoga - the Westernizedcousinof ancient Tibetan Buddhism was, originally taught by the Mystery Schools of Alexandria and even before at the time of the building of the great Pyramids. The Teaching was always given via an adept through a Mahatma and usually it was tailored to the Age it was received. Gnostic, Kabalistic, and Hermetic knowledge all stems from these core principles outlined in this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Odd book
[...]
The essay seemed to be a chapter of this book, but, on the contrary, despite the title of the book, there is no reference to the question posed in the title.

The book is a rambling group of random questions ranging from "Do dogs and cats have souls?" to "Who was Nicholas Roerich?"It seems to have been written by someone with an incomplete grasp of English.Nor is the spelling any good.There apparently was no one to proofread it.

On the other hand, there are patches of good insights.My feeling about religion has always been that the founders of the religions had a moment of insight into the nature of the universe, and that religions became so dangerous because the followers only half understood what they were being told.This book would say that is because each person must find his own way to the truth.The distortions and misunderstandings of followers are compounded with each generation.

For this reason, I recommend the book despite its limitations.Some of this man's insights seem right on. ... Read more

Product Description
Chungjeon (principle book of Won-Buddhism) ... Read more

Book Description
This is a re-edited and updated version of the original title. This book is about Ancient Wisdom philosophy. It is in an easy to read question/answer (F.A.Q.) format since the belief of the Yogi is the rudeness of speaking of matters of religion and philosophy from the "pulpit", other than answering a question to a seeking mind. Most of the subjects in the book are very esoteric and not easily understood or absorbed. As the Buddha said "Believe nobody but your own heart and common sense". ... Read more

Book Description

Buddhism was introduced to Korea via China in the fifth century and similar to China and Japan a long tradition of Zen poetry developed. This collection spans 1,500 years of this tradition with a selection of the key poets and teachers starting with Great Master Wonhyo the founder of Korean Zen Buddhism.

Christopher Merrill is directs the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.