Esoteric Buddhism under the Koryŏ in the Light of the Greater East Asian Tradition

The aim of this presentation is to show that while Esoteric Buddhism under the Koryŏ developed certain traits reflecting more narrow local developments in accordance with the country’s special cultural and geopolitical situation, it was at the same time part and parcel of a larger pan-East Asian Buddhist development which took place under the Song 宋 (960-1276), the Khitan Liao 遼 (906-1125), the Jurchen Jin 金 (1127-1234), the Tangut Xixia 西 夏 as well as late Heian 平 安 (782-1185) and Kamakura 鐮 倉 (1185-1382) of Japan. Therefore, while Esoteric Buddhism under the Koryŏ on the one hand featured elements that were unique to Korea, on the other hand it shared the over-all concerns for “Nation-protection”(Kor. hoguk pulgyo 護國佛教) through ritual manipulation of the cosmic and earthly forces, as well as a persuasive interest in magic and disease control among the general population