전통 의문의 길을 묻다 : 우리말화로 인한 운율 변화와 미학적 과제 = Inquiring into the Path of Traditional Ritual Texts: Prosodic Transformations and Aesthetic Challenges Arising from Korean Vernacularization

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study explores traditional Buddhist ritual language as a cultural practice that preserves communal identity while continuously evolving to meet contemporary demands. In particular, the Buddhist chant known as beompae employs a distinctive tonal system based on the four tones (四聲, saseong), creats not only a sonic expression but also a profound religious and aesthetic atmosphere.
An analysis of the vernacularized Suryukjae ritual at Boweonsa Temple in Seosan reveals that participants were better able to understand and empathize with the ritual content. However, it also exposed a critical issue: the unique solemnity and aesthetic depth of beompae were not fully conveyed. This suggests that the vernacularization of liturgical texts must go beyond mere linguistic translation, requiring careful integration of beompae’s symbolic and rhythmic structures into the modern language.
To address this, the study proposes several practical strategies for the contemporary enactment of traditional liturgical texts. For instance, proclamations and petitions, where semantic clarity is essential, should be recited in pyeongjo (even tone) for better comprehension. In contrast, verses (gyesong) should preserve their traditional melodic patterns while adapting the vernacular, thereby maintaining aesthetic integrity. The application of four-tone notation for Korean texts can enhance clarity, and aligning ritual speech with corresponding physical acts allows participants to become true agents in the ritual experience.
Although the vernacularization of the Suryukjae at Boweonsa remains in its early stages and is not without imperfections, it holds significant value as a creative continuation of tradition. Sustained dialogue and experimentation in this direction could enable Korean-language Buddhist rituals to evolve into a new tradition of Korean Buddhism―one that resonates with both spiritual depth and aesthetic richness.