Abstract

This article aims to examine the view of Daesoon Jinrihoe devotees’ on Buddhism revealed in the published articles of Daesoonhoebo (Daesoon magazine). Daesoon Jinrihoe, a new religion which emerged in the 19th century, its devotees are called ‘Sudoin (lit. cultivator),’ the devotee of Daesoon Jinrihoe. Daesoonhoebo is a monthly magazine that is published by Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex of Daesoon Jinrihoe. This publication enables to understand its devotees’ awareness. In the doctrine and their perception, Daesoon Jinrihoe fundamentally differs from Buddhism. However, from the foundation of the order, it integrated the three religions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. In addition, the order was inherited from Christianity of the times in Korea to a certain degree, Daesoon Jinrihoe is actually characterized by Buddhism, for instance, Shakyamuni has been a subject of worship. Daesoonhoebo embraces diverse articles on Buddhism, some of them depict the doctrinal supremacy of Daesoon Jinrihoe by comparing it with that of Buddhism. Nevertheless, a majority of articles contain the texts that research the doctrine of Daesoon Jinrihoe and enrich faith through the Buddhist doctrine, art works, and observation on monks. An attempt to examining awareness of a devotee in a certain religion with a view on other religion should be useful for the comparative study of religion. This study makes a momentum wherein the view of devotees’ on Buddhism illuminates that a negative perspective on new religions including Daesoon Jinrihoe can be rectified.