Buddhism in medieval Korea is characterized as “State Protection Buddhism;†a religion whose primary purpose was to rally support (supernatural and popular) for and legitimate the state. In this view; the state used Buddhism to engender compliance with its goals. A closer look; however; reveals that Buddhism was a canvas on which people projected many religious and secular concerns and desires.This study is an attempt to specify Buddhism’s place in Koryo and to ascertain to what extent and in what areas Buddhism functioned as a state religion. Was state support the main reason for Buddhism’s dominance in Koryo? How actively did the state seek to promote religious ideals? What was the strength of Buddhism as an institution and the nature of its relationship to the state? What role did Confucianism; the other state ideology; play in Koryo? This study argues that Buddhism provided most of the symbols and rituals; and some of the beliefs; that constructed an aura of legitimacy; but that there was no single ideological system underlying the Koryo dynasty’s legitimating strategies.
#110223 in Books Belknap Press 2006-04-30 2006-03-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.13 x 5.63l; 1.28 #File Name: 0674019830448 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The book made Me more conciderate; aware and better rounded. History at it's finest.By SaffA very good read and a Tool to put History in perspective. Interesting how the Battle flag as evolved and taken on new meaning over time. A lesson in Political Correctness; Symbolism and how we all can have different opinions of a topic . Political winds change and meaning get altered to a new definition no long even recognized as the original. Read before You jump in to a debate about this flag and what it stands for - or maybe what you think it stands for.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Read the Epilogue first! Might save you some time.By CustomerOh my gosh - can I please tell you how much I wish the Epilogue had been at the very front of the book? That would have saved me slugging my way through this very dry read.The book was not what I expected. I wish the whole book was more like the author's thoughts in the Epilogue. A whole book of those types of thoughtful comments and arguments? WOW!Instead - it was a very dry read of the history of the flag; and how different sub cultures (perhaps the wrong word) used the flag for their own agendas; etc. It walked you through what made the flag "popular" in the 1900's and how the flag was used/popularized in different decades throughout. It also spent time on significant lawsuits; the flag coming down off capitol buildings and grounds; etc.Very dry. Not what I expected nor wanted out of it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good BookBy Bryan DietzlerThis is a very good book about one of America's most controversial subjects. I had known a lot about the flag before but learned so much more about it after reading this book. I think that you will gain a better understanding of the symbolic nature that this flag has to offer. Compelling reading.
