, also known as '''Hamheo Teuktong''' (
1376 -
1433 ) was a late
Goryeo -early
Joseon Buddhist monk of the
Seon order, who was the leading Buddhist figure of his generation, also known as Hamheo. He was originally a
Confucian scholar of the highest reputation, but he converted to Buddhism at the age of 21 upon the death of a close friend. He wandered among the Korean mountain monasteries, until he had the fortune of becoming the disciple of the last Korean
National Teacher Muhak .
Gihwa's writings showed a distinctive mixture between iconoclastic and suddenistic
Chán language, and a strong appreciation for the scriptural tradition. Thus, he took up from
Jinul the tradition of unification of Seon and
Gyo Buddhism. Among his writings, there are four works in particular that made a deep impact on the subsequent Seon tradition in Korea. These are (1) his commentary on the
Sutra Of Perfect Enlightenment , the
Weongak Gyeong Hae Seorui ; (2) his redaction and subcommentary to five famous earlier commentaries on the
Diamond Sutra , the
Geumgang Banyabaramilgyeong Ogahae Seorui ; (3) his subcommentary and redaction of the
Collection Of Yongjia , the
Yonggajip Gwaju Seorui and (4) the
Hyeonjeong Non . As a result of his fourth major work (the ''Hyeonjeong non'') Gihwa distinguished himself as the primary Buddhist respondent to the rising
Neo-Confucian polemic of his period, as he responded with vigor to the
Neo-Confucian criticisms of Buddhism. He died while residing at
Jeongsusa , at the southern tip of
Ganghwa Island , where his tomb can still be visited. Gihwa's commentary on the
Sutra Of Perfect Enlightenment was translated by
Charles Muller , in 1999.
