초기 불교 문헌에 나타난 인욕-갈등 해결을 중심으로-

초록

The Chinese term “忍辱” literally means “enduring insults.” In Buddhism, it extends beyond mere endurance to encompass patience, forgiveness, and tolerance. True patience involves self-control and often represents a conscious choice to pursue higher spiritual goals through restraint rather than reaction. Patience is deeply related to the principles of impermanence (無常) and non-self (無我). By relinquishing attachment to the body and external conditions, one can transcend emotional disturbances and respond to insults or abuse without being swayed by circumstances. In Buddhist ethics, conflicts are to be resolved peacefully and fundamentally through patience. When faced with aggression, one should respond not with anger but with silence, understanding, and forgiveness. Such a response prevents escalation and transforms conflict into an opportunity for harmony. This practice applies universally, regardless of social status or position. While there are cases where one might seem to endure suffering unilaterally, this endurance reflects a deliberate effort to forgive the other party and resolve conflict through karmic understanding. Mindfulness (sati) serves as the foundation that enables this patience. Through mindfulness practices—such as breathing meditation, awareness of movement, and observation of thoughts, feelings, and phenomena—the insight of non-self is strengthened.

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