A Research on the Problem of Shadow Projection in “Nambaegwol-iseong,” a Script of Samgugyusa

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to clarify the meaning of the narrative “Nambaegwol-iseong,” a Script of Samgugyusa, in a psychological context. The script is a story about two saints, Nohilbudeuk and Daldalbakbak, enlightened by the hierophany of Gwaneum. Considering the nature of the story, the doctrine of Buddhism was applied as the main interpretation frame. However, the meaning of the story could be extended through a more general interpretation. Therefore, by applying the shadow projection, a concept from C. G. Jung’s psychology, it is found that the liberation process of the two saints reflects the problem of the shadow projection and the process of maturation through the shadow integration. Nohilbudeuk and Daldalbakbak rejected or feared the woman who came to the hermitage. It was the projection of their inner image, which was not free from sexual desire. Then, when they confirmed her reality directly or indirectly, they recognized and integrated their inner shadow veiled her. The recognition and integration led to liberation. When we understand this narrative in the same vein, we can discover the implications it has on the problem of universal human life. It points out that the negative relationship or environment around us that causes pain and conflict in our real life is actually reflecting the negative side of ourselves that we do not recognize.