Chinul (also spelled as Jinul) was one of the most influential thinkers contributed to Korean Son Buddhism. He lived in the 12th century (1158-1210) and was highly recognised for his contributions during his life as well as after his death. Chinul left his family at the age of fifteen to follow the path of the Son Buddhist monk. As he got acquainted with all the peculiarities of the religious system of those days, he firmly decided to form his own movement and live in retreat. What led him to this decision were the sectarian climate of the age and the impure intentions of his fellow monks (they only wanted fame). He achieved his goal and settled the Samadhi and Prajna Society, which was intended as a retreat for pure-minded monks and practitioners (“Jinul”).
Chinul was said to have couple awakenings and revelations which also led him to the formation of Chogye Sect. He intended it as a school of Buddhism which will unify all the other sects in Korea and provide a practical and in-depth approach to studying Buddhism. One of his main contributions is that he made significant efforts in bringing Chan and Hua-Yen schools together. Chinul coupled doctrinal Buddism with meditation practices which showed the connection between philosophy and meditation. Chinul’s important contribution to Buddhism as a social phenomenon was that he changed it from the institution to obtaining blessings and enchantments to the practical teaching of attaining enlightenment. He taught about the importance of sudden enlightenment achieved through meditation and of gradual cultivation of Buddha inside to attain full awakening. Chinul held that instant awakening happens when one realizes that his mind is Buddha and allows everything to flow freely from the Buddha mind. He stressed that the real path starts only with such awakening (“Son master Chinul”).
References
"Jinul". Five Mountain Zen Order. N.p., 2016. Web. 3 May 2016.
"Son Master Chinul". Buddhism Now. N.p., 2010. Web. 3 May 2016.
