Buddhist activity & personality of the Jeong Gong－Kwon(鄭公權) in the late 14th century

Abstract

This paper aims to identify Jeong Gong-Kwon’s Buddhist activities and his nature during the late 14th century. This research illustrates that in the year 1377(禑王 3年) Jeong Gong-Kwon mobilized human resources from Goryeo-Dynasty(高麗國)’s Daejangdogam(大藏都監) and Bunsadogam (分司都監) in order to engrave a number of 「Assorted and Annotated Mahavaipulya purnabudha Sutra(圓覺類解)」 woodblocks. These taskforces manufacturing Buddhist scripture woodblocks were established in the midst of 13th century. A well-known Neo-Confucianist Jeong Gong-Kwon engaged in a variety of Buddhist activities based on his sophisticated understanding of Buddhisim. His 49th Buddhist ritual ceremony also took place at Bobeob- Temple(報法寺). His devotion to Buddhisim founded upon a wide human-network including his family members and Buddhist intellectuals such as Hwan Am(幻菴) Hon Su(混脩). High-ranking government officials like Lee Saek (李穡) and Han Su(韓脩) also participated in his Buddhist initiatives. Particularly, Jeong Gon-Kwon had intimate relationship with Han-Su and Lee-Saek. Jeong Gong-Kwon was highly committed to esoteric Buddhism(密敎) that puts more weight on practicing good deeds mainly being benevolent to others(功德) which is commonly emphasized among Buddhist monks. His religious piety also pertains to Zen(禪) and is in line with the Susun-Temple(修禪社). In conclusion, Jeong Gong-Kwon’s religious enthusiasm reflects autonomy of Goryeo-Dynasty and conventional authority of its king.