고려대학교

초록/요약

In the Goryeo dynasty, Buddhist priests were required to take a test, and successful passers were provided with a rank(Seung’gye, 僧階), which could also be promoted later on. Distinction between ranks were indicated by their attires. The length of the upper portion, Pyeonsam, and the color of the trouser(Yellow[黃] or purple[紫]) were designed differently, with the Samjung Daesa serving as sort of a central line. Ranks above Samjung Daesa were designated as ‘Bijik(批職)’ ranks. The appointment process of these entities required the step of ‘Habi(下批).’ When appointing one, the King signed off such appointments in the form of either Bi(批) or Pan(判). ‘Bi’ was usually a form for an appointment document issued to the Chamsang-jik officials, and the same format was used in Goryeo for the Buddhist administration as well. As a result, groups of Buddhist priests such as Bijik-weon(批職員) and Bijik-seung(批職僧) were formed. By applying such procedure to the Buddhist priests generated the effect of increasing options for Buddhist priests’ careers. Terms used in referring to these Buddhist priests were official terms that were also applied to governmental officials. In other words, priests were being described as entities who officially became part of the governmental structure. In Goryeo, Buddhist priests occupied the highest portion of the population. They were everywhere, occupying either high or low social statuses. Providing high-ranking Buddhist priests with a social status that bordered upon those of the governmental officials was a deliberate act meant to stabilize the relationship between the political arena and the Buddhist society. And such official, institutionalized treatment of Buddhist priests enabled the Buddhist society to maintain an authoritative feature.