Sot'aesan and the Reformation of Korean Buddhism

This work analyzes Sot'aesan's ideas for reforming Korean Buddhism, compares his views to those of the more moderate Buddhist reformer Manhae, and examines the issue of whether or not the Won Buddhism established by Sot'aesan can still be considered Buddhism. It focuses on Sot'aesan's creative interpretations of Buddha, dharma, and sanga, concluding that, although Won Buddhist teachings remain essentially Buddhist, the religious community of Won Buddhists departs much more radically from traditional Buddhist norms.