이이의 문집에 담긴 「논요승보우소」는 불교에 관한 조선 성리학자의 태도를 잘 보여 준다. 이이는 조선 13대 왕 명종의 모후였던 문정왕후文定王后(1501~1565)가 죽자 그해 8월에 이 상소문을 올렸다. 문정왕후의 수렴청정垂簾聽政 시기에 불교 중흥의 임무를 위임받아 불교 재건에 앞장섰던 승려 보우普雨(1509~1565)를 겨냥한 것이었다. 상소 결과 보우는 제주로 유배되었으며, 제주 목사 변협邊協에 의해 목숨을 잃었다.

The text “An Appeal Discussing the Evil Buddhist Monk Bou,” included in the collected works of Yi I (pen name Yulgok), exemplifies the attitude of Joseon neo-Confucian scholars toward Buddhism. Following the death of Queen Munjeong (1501–1565), who was a patron of Buddhism and the mother of King Myeongjong, the 13th ruler of Joseon, Yi I wrote this appeal in the 8th lunar month of that year. His appeal specifically targeted the monk Bou (1509–1565), who had led the revitalization of Buddhism during the period when Queen Munjeong acted as regent for her young son. This appeal led to Bou’s exile to Jeju Island, where he was later killed by the governor of Jeju, Byeon Hyeop.