Kyunyo-jon: The Life, Times and Songs of a Tenth-Century Korean Monk

by Adrian Buzo (Translator), Tony Prince (Editor)

Written 1074–1075, Kyunyo-jon recounts the life of one of the most significant figures in the Buddhist organization of the Koryo period. Presented here is a detailed picture of the norms and practices of Korean Buddhism in a period when Buddhism was the prevailing ethical force in society. The book is also a documentation of Korean perspectives on China and Chinese culture prior to the domination of Chinese Neo-Confucian ideology. Critical comments are made on the Korean literary world and eleven songs composed by the monk Kyunyo are included.

Genres: Religion

Paperback

First published August 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ocean G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about an eleventh century biography (hagiography?) of a tenth century monk. I found the introduction indispensable, and the first part of Appendix B (about the early Korean writing system) quite interesting. In fact, they were probably more enlightening than the text itself, which, as I mentioned, is pretty hagiographical, essentially Marketing Kyunyo to Chinese and other non-Koreans.

Also a great introduction to Hua yen (Hwaom) Buddhism.

I'm glad someone translated and annotated this, but mainly because of the information surrounding it rather than the text itself.

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wnated to like this book, but there just isn't much there - it is a very limited body of information - probably better as an article in a periodical somewhere - but he streached it out to be a book - it is also much too technical for an uninitiated reader - seems to be meant for experts in the History of Korean Buddhism. Which I can't imagine many people are.