Jinul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jinul
Religion	Buddhism
School	Seon
Personal
Born	1158 Goryeo
Died	1210
Senior posting
Title	Zen Master
Successor	Hyesim (혜심/慧諶: 1178~1234)

Jinul Puril Bojo Daesa (Hangul: 보조지눌; Hanja: 普照知訥, 1158–1210), often called Jinul or Chinul for short, was a very important Korean monk. He lived during the Goryeo period. Many people see him as the most influential person in shaping Korean Seon (Zen) Buddhism. He is known for founding the Jogye Order. This order helped unite different Buddhist groups in Korea into one strong organization.

Jinul's Early Life and Journey

Jinul was born in 1158 with the name Jeong. When he was 15 years old, he decided to become a monk. He joined Seon Master Jonghwi from the Sagulsan School. This was one of the nine main schools of Seon Buddhism. At this time, in 1173, he received his monk name, "Jinul."

By 1182, Jinul passed a special royal test for monks. This meant he could have a high position in the government. However, he chose not to take it. Instead, he joined a community of monks, called a sangha, at Bojesa in Pyongyang.

Founding the Jogye Order

Jinul wanted to make changes to the monk community. But the people there were not interested in his ideas. So, he moved to Cheongwonsa and then to Bomunsa. During his travels and studies, Jinul read the entire Tripiṭaka. This is a huge collection of Buddhist scriptures. He also had several moments of deep understanding, called "awakenings."

Jinul wanted to start a new movement within Korean Seon. He called it the "samadhi and prajñā society" (Hangul: 정혜사; Hanja: 定慧社; RR: Jeonghyesa). His goal was to create a new community of monks. These monks would be very disciplined and have pure minds. They would live deep in the mountains.

Jinul finally achieved this goal by founding Songgwangsa on Jogyesan. This led to the creation of the Jogye Order. This order taught a full approach to Buddhism. It included meditation, studying Buddhist teachings, chanting, and lectures. In 1209, he finished his most important book. It was called Excerpts from the Dharma Collection and Special Practice Record with Personal Notes. This book explored different types of Chan Buddhism from China. It also included his own thoughts and comments.

Royal Recognition and Legacy

Jinul's work earned him great respect from the Goryeo kingdom. King Huijong was especially impressed. The king ordered that Mount Songgwangsan be renamed Jogyesan in Jinul's honor. When Jinul passed away in 1210, King Huijong gave him a special title of honor.

Jinul's Teachings

Understanding Essence-Function

Essence-Function (Hangul: 체용; Hanja: 體用) is a very important idea in Korean Buddhism. Jinul wrote a lot about this concept. It means that everything has a true nature (essence) and a way it appears or acts (function). Jinul believed these two parts are always connected.

Jinul's View of Nirvana

Jinul believed that Nirvana is a wonderful, perfect essence that exists in all living things. This essence is the true nature of Buddha. It has always been present in everyone.

He taught that true faith means believing that everyone is already a Buddha. He said that everyone has a perfect, pure self. The amazing essence of nirvana is complete in every person. There is no need to search for it elsewhere. It has always been a part of us.

Jinul also believed that the true nature of all people never changes. He thought that our minds are always bright and aware, even when we feel confused. He wrote that people practicing meditation should first realize this. They should understand that whether they feel confused or enlightened, their minds are always aware and never dark. Their true nature never changes.

See also

In Spanish: Jinul para niños