Korean Buddhism: History—Condition—Art

"Korean Buddhism: History一Condition一Art" by Frederick Starr is a historical exploration from the early 1900s, presenting the author's lectures regarding the world of Korean Buddhism, detailing its origin story, contemporary situation, and artistic presence. The central emphasis lies in revealing the complex interplay of Buddhist rituals, convictions, and Korean cultural legacy. Starr begins the book with his personal quest into the study of Korean Buddhism. He emphasizes the lack of information regarding Korean Buddhism. He divides the lectures into three areas: the origin of Buddhism in Korea, its condition at the time, and the artistic elements. Starr uses his experience of traveling the country to enrich the readers view of the region's religious history and future, explaining that the account will be divided into three primary topics: the history of Buddhism in Korea, its current condition, and its artistic manifestations.