The religious precepts and Gyeomik of the Woongjin Period of Baekje Buddhism

The reigns of King Muryeong(武寧王) and King Seong(聖王) can be seen as a period of revitalization for Baekje Buddhism. Buddhism, which had been introduced during the reign of King Chimryu(枕流王), experienced stagnation due to external factors such as the fall of Hanseong. However, during this period, the foundation for its social resurgence was firmly established. In this context, Gyeomik's journey to India to study Buddhist precepts(入竺求 律), the transcription and translation of the Five Vinaya(五部律) into 72 volumes, and the compilation of 36 volumes of Vinaya Commentaries(律疏) can be understood as critical contributions that laid the groundwork for the future development of Baekje Buddhism. The 72 volumes of the Baekje Sin-yul(百濟新律), translated by Baekje monks under the leadership of Gyeomik, are considered to be transcriptions of the Five Vinaya Texts(五部律 文) transmitted from India at the time. These texts likely included content from the Vinaya before sectarian traits were incorporated, alongside sect-specific clauses that permitted Baekje's unique interpretations, as well as newly reinterpreted clauses reflecting a Baekje perspective. This inference is supported by the fact that, apart from specific differences, the Five Vinaya exhibits considerable similarities in its overall content. From Baekje's perspective, the translation of the complete Vinaya was unnecessary; what was required instead were essential elements that could serve as the foundation for the establishment of the Sin-yul. This becomes evident when considering that China had already made significant progress in translating the Five Vinaya. Baekje's acceptance of the Five Vinaya through Gyeomik, therefore, was primarily focused on creating the Baekje Sin-yul. The naming of the Baekje Sin-yul signifies that, while it was based on the Five Vinaya— namely the Sarvastivada Vinaya(四分律), Dharmaguptaka Vinaya (十誦律), Mahīśāsaka Vinaya (五分律), Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya (摩訶僧祇律), and Mahāparinirvāṇa Vinaya (解脫律)—its content was newly restructured to align with Baekje's unique sociocultural circumstances. Furthermore, the compilation of 36 volumes of Vinaya Commentaries made the Sin- yul more accessible within Baekje society by providing detailed explanations to aid in its understanding. The Baekje Sin-yul thus served as the basis for the successful dissemination and establishment of Buddhism within Baekje society.