Jinul

Jinul (지눌; c. 1158–1210) was a Korean Buddhist monk of the Goryeo dynasty and is regarded as a leading reformer of Korean Seon (Zen) Buddhism. He is credited with laying the groundwork for the Jogye Order, the main lineage of Korean Buddhist practice, by reorganizing and revitalizing the monastic community and its teachings.

Life and career: Jinul studied widely in temples across the Korean peninsula and became a respected teacher who sought to revitalize the monastic sangha. He emphasized ethical discipline, communal living, and rigorous practice, aiming to unify Seon meditation with the study of sutras and Buddhist doctrine.

Teachings: Jinul promoted a synthesis of sudden enlightenment and gradual cultivation, arguing that awakening is inseparable from ongoing practice. He advanced the use of hwadu, a critical question or probe used to pierce through conceptual thinking, as a primary tool in meditation, while also valuing scriptural study and the Bodhisattva path. He stressed that a well-ordered monastic community and disciplined practice are essential to authentic realization.

Legacy: Jinul’s reforms helped create a more centralized Korean monastic system and reinforced the integration of Seon practice with doctrinal learning. His ideas influenced generations of Korean Buddhist teachers and solidified the lineage that would become the Jogye Order, the predominant form of Korean Buddhism today. He remains a pivotal figure in the history of Korean Buddhism and is remembered for advancing both practice and institutional cohesion.