물과 성찰(省察)

WATER AND INTROSPECTION

All human being can't exist by oneself. That is, all human being depend on intimate attachment for their survival. Physical and psychological powers and control functions are prerequisites for one's survival and these serve important functions in interpersonal relationships. There are two kinds of powers and controls. One is positive power which helps one survive effectively. Another one is negative power which disturbs one's effective survival. Introspection is one of the positive power and most important process in understanding oneself and others. Thus, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the physical and psychological meaning of the characteristics of water and based on this meaning, to suggest one way of introspection. The authors reviewed the precept of water which is described in Bible and oriental classical books such as 'the Analects of Confuicus(論語)', 'Tao Te Ching(道德經)', 'Mencius(맹자)', 'Chronicle(史記)', 'The Doctrine of the Mean(中庸)', 'University(大學)'. The author also reviewed 'The History of Three Countries(삼국사기, 삼국유사)', 'The Precept of Religion', and 'the modern poems' which includes the symbolic meaning of water. The results are summarized as follows：1) The flow of water itself is the expression of introspection. Because, water does not flow without filling a puddle. 2) Water is the symbol of 'Immortality'. 3) Water symbolizes 'Modesty and Trust'. 4) Water is the symbol of 'Freedom from Greed'. 5) Water symbolizes 'Goodness and Beauty'. 6) Water symbolizes 'Naturality and Love'. Immortality, Modesty and Trust, Freedom from Greed, Goodness and Beauty, and Naturality and Love are eternal, universal values which all human should seek and achieve. By the process of introspection through the symbolic meaning of water, we can achieve these positive aspects of human mind and spirit.