A Study on Miraculous Son-Wishing Narratives in Korean Buddhism: Focusing on the Religious Syncretism of Avalokiteśvara and Indigenous Faiths

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the cultural and spiritual importance of son-wishing narratives in Korean Buddhism from a hope perspective.
• Analyzed socio-cultural background of son-wishing beliefs related to childbearing in a patriarchal society.
• Investigated the syncretic nature of Avalokiteśvara worship and indigenous faiths.
• Examined how hope narratives have adapted in response to contemporary societal issues such as low birth rates.
• Found that son-wishing narratives reflect women's urgent need for survival in a patriarchal context.
• Revealed how Avalokiteśvara's promises intertwined with indigenous beliefs create strong faith responses.
• Identified potential for these narratives to offer hope and a redefined sense of family in modern contexts.