탈종교화시대, 관음종의 사회적 실천: 말세의식과 공생적 이타행

This study examines the gravity of secularization while also exploring the social practices, characteristics, and origins of the Gwaneum Order in the age of secularization. The Gwaneum Order is a Buddhist sect that actively engages in social practice and is committed to proactive engagement. Its practical orientation ranges from a broad focus on the state, society, and the Buddhist community to a narrower emphasis on the Mahāyāna ideal of salvation for the people. In the present day, the order concentrates on humanitarian relief efforts for marginalized communities, both domestically and internationally, as well as on global environmental initiatives such as addressing the climate crisis. The religious trajectory of the Gwaneum Order is rooted in the eschatological consciousness(mòshì yìshí, 末世意識) of Taixu(太虛), which served as the foundation for the order’s establishment and its commitment to social practices aimed at the salvation of the state, nation, and people. This proactive engagement has likely played a significant role in the expansion and sustenance of the order. The influence of Taixu’s eschatological consciousness and social practice was examined through the concept of the Dharma-Ending Age(mòfǎ, 末法) as expressed in the socially engaged Buddhist practices of Xinxing(信行) and the Three Stages Sect(Sānjièjiào, 三階教) in Chinese Buddhist history. Finally, this study suggests that to counteract the effects of secularization, it is necessary to explore forms of social practice that can attract the religious interest of the MZ generation.