Terri Kim

The Enlightenment Stories Represented in Samgook Yusa and Princess Bari Terri Kim

The treatise compares Korean enlightenment experience stories with different genre sources as well as other countries texts, thereby it presents the perspective of cross-genre and cross-culture comparison. The enlightenment stories are examined in terms of actual experiences; and after the experience, how one offers one's efficacy in the society. The author distinguishes different meanings of the enlightenment and researches in two different approaches: the enlightenment as equivalent to wisdom attaining stage, and the nirvana enlightenment, as fully matured stage of the enlightenment; then compares Korean sources with Western mystics' experiences. Moreover, the author explains different enlightenment methodologies mentioned in the medieval Korean text, Samgook Yusa (Three kingdoms anthology of myths) and presently being practiced shamanic song in rituals, "Princess Bari." Thereafter, the author probes into the necessity of gaining the enlightenment in the perspective of one's function effected in the society and preparing for the apocalypse.