A Study on the Classification and Characteristic of Sufferings in Daesoonjinrihoe

대순진리회 고통론의 유형화와 특징

Daesoonjinrihoe perceives that human suffering is caused not only by mental factors but also by the cosmic principle of Mutual Overcoming more fundamentally. The relationship influenced among all things in the universe is Mutual Beneficence and Mutual Overcoming. If these relations are properly cooperated in harmony, all things will reveal their energetic existence in a balanced state, however, if one side, particularly, Mutual Overcoming becomes excessive, indeed, it will cause trouble. That is, the sentient beings that are inclined to excessive Mutual Overcoming rather than indispensable Mutual Overcoming make grievances among themselves and cumulate them. In the end, heaven and earth lose its constant Way[常道], leading the sentient beings to all kinds of agonies. However, it may be a problem if every agony is depicted with Mutual Overcoming, that is, one single fixed frame, because Mutual Overcoming has to be interpreted diversely according to the circumstances. Thus, it is not possible to explain precisely about the agony if not understanding its spectrum. This study analyzed the ways how Daesoonjinrihoe explains the aspects of reasons and solutions to a variety of agonies. In the Supreme Scripture of Daesoonjinrihoe, the reasons for agony vary: first, it is caused by Mutual Overcoming of the cosmos itself, which is irrelevant to human beings. Secondly, man can be victimized because of Mutual Overcoming caused by man. Thirdly, there is a case of a victim who is damaged due to Mutual Overcoming caused by the other. Fourthly, man can be victimized because of Mutual Overcoming caused by someone else's unintended deeds. Fifthly, there is a case of man having agony in return when he, as a perpetrator, hurt others or resolve his inappropriate desires. Sixthly, man's deed unintendedly became a sin and have agony in return. Seventhly, man can be a self-perpetrator, conceiving vain desire, obsession and grievance. Eightly, there is a case of man having agony during enforcement of the law or practice of justice. Ninthly, man needs to endure agony during self-cultivation, enacting Reordering of the Universe(天地公事), ritual practice, promotion of fortune, and test. However, it is important to make sure that the reason for agony can interact with not only one but also diverse models in real situation. These nine models are included in the category of Mutual Overcoming; but, these cannot be classified in a single term, Mutual Overcoming because much information will be hidden, only to make it difficult to explain about agony more precisely. There are some characteristic observed in the concept of agony in Daesoonjinrihoe as follows: first, reasons for agony are caused by Mutual Overcoming although Mutual Overcoming can be interpreted differently according to the circumstances. Secondly, Daesoonjinrihoe makes a positive valuation for some agony. Thirdly, the solution to overcome a agony is brought to a conclusion, that is cultivation practice of Daesoonjinrihoe. Fourthly, the experience of agony and solution in Daesoonjinrihoe sometimes lie in the unit of family beyond individual. Fifthly, in the painful situation resulted from vain desire and obsession, Daesoonjinrihoe suggests a solution called Mutual Beneficence. That is, it emphasizes not only self-control but also active practice of considering others.