Development and establishment of nine kusasonmun Seon-Buddhism schools in Korea

This article explores the formation of nine schools of Seon-Buddhism during the 9th and 10th centuries in Unified Silla. Toi, a Buddhist mentor who studied Southern Chan Buddhism in the Tang Empire, played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Seon. Gradually, these ideas began to spread throughout Silla, leading to the creation of a system of nine schools of Seon-Buddhism. However, during the initial stages of contemplative Buddhism's introduction to Korea from China, it faced resistance due to its assertion of instant enlightenment, which differed from the established idea of gradual enlightenment in Hwaeom (Kye). Nonetheless, the Seon-Buddhism movement developed and eventually became the main direction within Korean Buddhism.