• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제32집
• /
• pp.201-236
• /
• 2019

영웅은 희망을 발견하고 용기와 지혜를 주는 대상이자 오랜 역사를 통해 다양한 방면으로 개인과 사회를 변혁해왔다. 최근에는 영웅학이라는 새로운 학문 체계가 대두되는 등 고대의 전쟁영웅에서 현대의 평범한 시민영웅까지 영웅의 긍정적인 사회적 기능과 역할에 관심이 증대하고 있다. 그러나 영웅적 행위가 타인에게 미치는 부정적 결과로서 도덕 또는 윤리문제는 큰 주목을 받지 못하고 있다. 구체적으로 말하면, 영웅적 행위 속의 타인은 행위의 수혜자뿐만 아니라 그 행위의 구체적 대상도 포함된다. 영웅적 행위의 수혜자들이 얻게 되는 이익의 관점에서 윤리 문제가 거론되며, 행위 자체가 영웅적 행위의 직접적인 대상을 포함하여 사회, 넓게는 국가, 좀 더 확장하면 우주 전체의 조화나 화합에 미치는 결과는 간과하고 있다. 이러한 맥락에서, 이 연구는 영웅적 행위가 우주적 질서의 복구 또는 재편이라는 긍정적 측면과 생명의 파괴 또는 새로운 무질서의 탄생이라는 부정적 측면을 동시에 내포할 수 있다는 사실에 주목한다. 다시 말해, 영웅의 한계에도 주목할 필요가 있음을 제시하고자 한다. 이를 위해 한국에서의 영웅에 관한 연구가 어떤 관점을 수용하고 있는가를 선행연구를 통해 조명해 볼 것이며 동시에 서구 영웅학의 관점에서 영웅 또는 영웅적 행위의 정의를 검토할 것이다. 또한, 대순사상에 비추어 한국적 영웅의 정의와 선천영웅의 한계를 개괄한다. 마지막으로, 더 나은 세상의 귀감이 될 성(聖)과 웅(雄)이 겸비한 진정한 영웅상을 논의할 것이다.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제25_2집
• /
• pp.177-213
• /
• 2015

We live in two giant pendulum in called 'science' and 'religion'. But science and religion are contained in disparate information with each other, Those two is not easy to achieve convergence. But if you accept the ontological scheme of Great Chain of Being(存在의 大連鎖) in the Perennial philosophy(永遠의 哲學), Debate between religion and science is meaningless 'Great Nest of Being(存在의 대둥지, Great Chain of Being)' is similar to the multiple concentric circles, there are different dimension that the each top level to subsume surrounding the lower level. For example, upper zone 'Mysticism(神秘主義)' includes but transcends(or transcends but includes.) the sub-region theology, psychology, biology and physics. The Perennial philosophy is the great spiritual teachers of the world, philosophers and thinkers have adopted a common worldview, a religious views. Philosophers of the perennial philosophy seem to match the cross-cultural almost unanimous about the general level of the 'Great Nest of Being' for the past 3,000 years. The perennial philosophy made the conclusion that God exists in the world. Several types of view of God existing religions in the world have 'Monotheism(一神論)', 'Pantheism(汎神論)' and 'Panentheism (汎在神論)'. Although traditionally the God of the philosophers is the classical Theism, theological trends of today it is moving in the direction of Panentheism. Panentheism see that god is immanent and transcendent. also Daesoon Thoughts is the position of the Panentheism. so this paper points out the fact that the view of God of the perennial philosophy is precisely consistent with the view of God of Daesoon Thoughts. Wilber says 'envelopment [transcend and include]'. The word translates as 'powol(包越)' in Korean. 'Powol(包越)' means that all the developmental evolution is to surround the sub-region developed into the higher realms. View of the God in the perennial philosophy is 'powol theism(包越的 有神論)'. but 'powol immanent God(包越的 內在神論)' rather than building regulations as 'powol theism(包越的 有神論)'. It would have to be a more accurate representation of it. Because in the existing 'theism(有神論)' the god and humans are thought to exist apart. However, Daesoon Thoughts are deemed to also recognize another universal laws. also Sangje(上帝, the Supreme God) is recognized as a cosmic existence that transcends the laws. This point, as the characteristics of the Daesoon Thoughts, In other religions can not be found. Therefore, More specifically represent(More accurately represent), Sangje of the Daesoon Thoughts can be described as 'powol theism' or 'transcendental and included deism(包越的 理神論)'. Importantly, The idea of God can be captured directly by the discipline. In this sense, In terms of the other religions have no discipline law, the practice [discipline] of the Daesoon Thoughts required in the present age. It has the absoluteness.

• 대순사상과 동아시아종교
• /
• 제2권2호
• /
• pp.33-50
• /
• 2023

'Fasting of the Mind (心齋, ch. xīn zhāi)' is arguably the most important concept within the practical approach to the spiritual cultivation formulated by the Daoist philosopher, Zhuangzi (莊子). Most scholars have interpreted 'Fasting of the Mind' as an apophatic practice centered around the aim of the 'Dissolution of the Self (喪我, ch. sàng wŎ).' The Korean new religious movement, Daesoon Jinrihoe (大巡眞理會), can be shown to instead consistently utilize cataphatic descriptions of spiritual cultivation based on the 'quieting of the mind (安心, kr. anshim)' and 'quieting of the body (安身, kr. anshin)' with the highest attainable state referred to as the 'Perfected State of Unification with the Dao (道通眞境, kr. Dotong-jingyeong).' While the language used by Zhuangzi and Daesoon Jinrihoe appears quite different on a superficial level, a deeper examination shows that these rhetorical framings are likely negativistic and positivistic descriptions of the same, or at least reasonably similar, phenomena. Zhuangzi, who focused primarily on the body, mind, and internal energy, cautioned practitioners that 'mere listening stops with the ears (聽止於耳, ch. tīng zhǐ yú ěr)' and 'mere recognition stops with the mind (心止於符, ch. xīn zhǐ yú fú).' He therefore encouraged cultivators of the Dao to 'listen with the spirit (聽之以氣 ch. tīng zhī yǐ qì).' The main scripture of Daesoon Jinrihoe states that "The mind is a pivot, gate, and gateway for gods; They, who turn the pivot, open, and close the gate, and go back and forth through the gateway, can be either good or evil (心也者, 鬼神之樞機也, 門戶也,道路也)," and the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven (九天上帝, kr. Gucheon Sangje) even promises to visit anyone who possesses a 'singularly-focused mind (一心, kr. il-shim).' In both these approaches, there is a sense of what must be kept out of the mind (e.g., external disturbances, strong emotions, malevolent entities) and what the mind should connect with to attain spiritual progress (e.g., spirit, singular focus, the Supreme God). The observations above serve as the main basis for a comparison between the apophatic descriptions of cultivation found in Zhuangzi and their cataphatic counterparts in Daesoon Thought. However, the culmination of this nuanced comparative exploration reveals that while the leanings of Zhuangzi and Daesoon Thought generally hold true, ultimately, both systems of cultivation transcend the categories of apophatic and cataphatic.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제23권
• /
• pp.385-429
• /
• 2014

This thesis strives to identify the peculiarities of Taegeuk (the yin-yang) and the relationships of Ri (reason/cause), Ki (Energy) and Do (duty). The Taegeuk is related with the Sangjekwan (highest ruling entity), Rikiron (noble theory) and the Boncheron (ontology) of the Daesoon Sasang (Daesoon Thoughts) which therefore is a priority research topic. Although said, due to the lack of original materials and the difficulty to understand the topic, the research is insignificant. Within chapter II of this thesis, the concept of the Taegeuk, the Rigi and Do from the perspective of Juja is observed. In chapter III, the relationship of Moogeuk and the Taegeuk which is mentioned in the foundation origin of the Daesoonjinrihoe. In addition, the Taegeuk and Eumyang's noble perspectives are observed through the comparison of Juja and Daesoon Sasang. In chapter IV, the aspects of Taegeuk's supervision is observed through the noumenality of the Taegeuk which is shown in the Daesoon Sasang along with the concept of mythology. Within the overall context, the Daesoon Sasang's ontology has similar structures with Juja's Taegeuk. This can be stated that Jojeongsan who had found the system of doctrine had not acknowledged Juja's theories but have rather interpreted Kangjeungsan's ontology in a Neo-Confucianism to better let the people understand. This can be observed as expediential teachings. The metaphysical Ri and the physical Ki's separation, and the relationship of matters and functions of the Taegeuk and Do can be stated to be similar within an overall outline in the aspect of the Rikiron. The Taegeuk becomes the primary figure whilst explaining Daesoon Sasang's Ri/Ki/Do and also becomes the Soiyeon (such reasons). Extreme Do is drawn from the Taegeuk and as Do resembles the trend of the Taegeuk, it is referred as the origin of all the things in the universe. However, Juja vigorously tried to witness God's notions in a principled, atheistic way. However, the main principle is regarded as divine in the aspect of the universe's functions and effects in the Daesoon Sasang. The personal Sangjekwan which embodies these profound and mysterious Taegeuk, is Daesoon Sasang's peculiarity which cannot be found in Neo-Confucianism. Therefore, in the Daesoon Sasang, both the order and character are being regarded in the ontology through personal divine.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제20권
• /
• pp.223-272
• /
• 2009

Both Daesoon philosophy and Buddhist philosophy have strong aspirations for establishing a world comprised of human-beings. In other words, Daesoon philosophy and Buddhist philosophy put human-beings in the place of 'subject character(主語的 人格)' instead of 'predicate character(述語的 人格).' This is because a human is the master rather than a guest of the universe and the world. In this regard, it is safe to say that both Daesoon philosophy and Buddhist philosophy have a common goal of reaching 'an infinitely open life managed by a human-being, the master.' Daesoon philosophy and Buddhist philosophy also share the idea that everything in the universe is an organistic world that is closely connected, like a network. In this aspect, the two philosophies consider the whole world rather than the individual, and seek ways for people to live together actively while expanding the scope of community to the world. Even if 'the morality of living together (相生)' and 'the realization of mercy(同體大悲)' are completely different languages on the surface, it is not difficult to understand the homogeneity inherent in such expressions. Daesoon philosophy and Buddhist philosophy show endless reliability towards all humans and are declarative and reasonable, but both herald human beings as eligible to become the main characters of the future world and lead to the birth of independent human beings while inducing them to the highest position in the universe by liberating humans from the limitations they find. 'Heaven on Earth' as stated in Daesoon philosophy refers to an ideal society where humans and God harmonize, and God and humans complement each other. Also, the world will achieve political stability and equality, realizing an economically prosperous world. Furthermore, social justice will be realized and cultural and religious conflicts resolved. As humans acknowledge there is a way to live together in a universal nature, the environmental issue no longer becomes the top priority for human beings and a world where the morals of human beings reach the highest level will be established. From the original Buddhist perspective, King Jeonrhyun, the proxy of Buddha, realizes the ideal of Buddhism in the mundane world. The world controlled by King Jeonrhyun can be described as having liberty, equality, peace, justice, prosperity, morality, order, legality, democracy, welfare, etc. Therefore, the ideal Buddhist world is materially prosperous, physically healthy and socially just, as well as a world where moral maturity and mental freedom are achieved.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제23권
• /
• pp.345-383
• /
• 2014

This article intends to examine the value of the world citizenship in the perspective from the root meaning that is stressed as the behavior style of Daesoon thoughts in relation with 'desirable attitude of life in education of morality. Traditional root meaning of Daesoon thoughts turned out to be proper moral behavior principle such as Yin Yang harmonious virtue, God Humane keeping unity, and conviviality with regrets settlement. Such three principles of Daesoon Thoughts show the characteristic of global code such as respect of life, solidarity unity, and tolerant trust. To revise the phenomenon of duality, and to realize the human awakening in radically changing reality, we need to cultivate world citizenship based on the root meaning of Daesoon thoughts. Daesoon thoughts covering the East and the West, especially the key features of religion, can cultivate the world view of citizenship in the era of plural society based on folk beliefs toward Gucheon Sangje faith as the essence of the multiplism. The world citizenship of human society is necessary to unite the world in the unified construction cooperative spirits. All beings need to be away from antagonistic confrontation with the practice of mutual conviviality. The diameter of acquired joining world citizenship can have the opportunity to realize of Gucheon Sangje's Heaven and earth construction. The root meaning of Daesoon thoughts can contribute to moral practicality with world citizenship by practice of heavenly truth and human truth. First, cultivating heavenly truth by means of insight can develope the profound world citizenship. Secondly, the solidarity of the public and private can cultivate public citizenship. Thirdly, in the crisis of the mankind, this awakening conviviality can be foundation for world citizenship of public communication. Fourthly, the spirit that would not deceive ownself can be contributed to cultivating the world citizenship by means of the process of internalizing Daesoon thoughts. Nowadays in the plural society demanding world citizenship, the public citizenship can deepen the spirit of respect of life, solidarity unity, and tolerant trust in the process of world citizenship cultivation. In the future, the world citizenship can be deepen the alternative of practice in the continuous cultivation of world citizenship. In this process, we can form the culture of coexistence which can contribute to human society as well as korean society by developing the value of living together happiness through the guide of this phonesis.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제20권
• /
• pp.169-191
• /
• 2009

The Four Tenets of Daesoon thought are the Creative conjunction of the virtues of Eum and Yang, the Harmonious union of divine beings and human beings, the Resolution of grievances for the mutual beneficence of all life and the Realization of the Dao in the world. This article compares the concepts of the "Creative conjunction of the virtues of Eum and Yang", the "Harmonious union of divine beings and human beings" and the "Resolution of grievances for the mutual beneficence of all life" with "EumYangDaeDaeRon", "ShinMyonKiDeok", the Theory of Mutual Giving Life / Mutual Destruction (SangSaeng/SangGeukRon) of the Book of Changes and analyzes their common and different points. The conclusion is that Daesoon thought and the philosophy of the Book of Changes share common fundamental standpoints. However, the Daesoon thought defines the world of SeonCheon (the state before the Heaven and Earth have been created) as Mutual Giving Life (SangSaeng), and the world of HuCheon (the state after the Heaven and Earth have been created) as Mutual Destruction (SangGeuk). According to Daesoon thought the Mutual Destruction (SangGeuk) is seen as negative, while according to the philosophy of the Book of Changes the Theory of Mutual Giving Live/Mutual Destruction (SangSaeng/SangGeukRon) is viewed as a positive relationship of EumYangDaeDae. This is a point of difference between the Daesoon thought and the philosophy of the Book of Changes. According to EumYangDaeDae relationship theory the contradictory "other" is viewed not as an enemy, but as a necessary element that assures one's existence. When Buddhism and Christianity first came to existence, they did not belong to a main stream. Later, through continuous theorization and systematization they became generally accepted religions. The case of Confucianism was not much different. During Song dynasty in China Buddhism has contributed to the systematization and establishment of Neo-Confucianism; in the middle of 20th century the Confucian scholars of Hong Kong and Taiwan interpreted and defined Confucianism a new in the light of Western philosophy. Thus the "Modern Neo-Confucianism" came to existence. That's why the history of Confucianism is also called "the history of advancing and developing a concept". From this point of view the critical acceptance of some elements of Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist etc. traditions, as well as modern philosophy, by Daesoon, in order to achieve the systematization of Daesoon thought, is a very important process. As a part of this process, this essay explains the Daesoon thought from the point of view of the Book of Changes, which may be said to present the original East-Asian view of the world. Daesoon's emphasis of human dignity, the equality of sexes, the critics the hierarchical society etc. are rather "modern" and should be examined from the point of view of social science. Besides, leaving the boundaries of "modern philosophy", the concepts of "Harmonious union of divine beings and human beings", viewing the universe as one organism etc. should be approached from the point of view of Post-Modernism.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제25_1집
• /
• pp.121-155
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this article is to study on the comparative relationship between mutual cooperation of the Dae-soon thought of Dae-soon jinrihoe and Shinnyo thought of Shinjo Ito. Dae-soon thought focuses on outspreading virtues and enlightenment teaching based on the saying of Jeong-san Sang Jae's Mutual cooperation without any grudge. According to the Buddha's nature thought of Shinjo Ito, 'Dharma kāya resident' is the source of touching upon buddhahood. The Shinyo-en is an outward manifestation of their deep resolve to help others by cultivating spiritual faculty and mind session. First, we can find the virtue action theory in the mutual cooperation of Dae-soon thought and the virtue nature theory in the Shinnyo thought of Shinjo Ito. From the perspective of comparative relationship, it was Jeong-san Sang Jae who laid foundation for the Posterior Grand Renewal. His idea is that the universe should be completed through the mutual communication between the earth and men following the Posterior Grand Renewal. It was Kyodoin-sama who laid the foundation for identifying the place Shinchoji was established. It was at the time that the power we call bakku-daiju as transversality and Shinnyo spiritual faculty were perfected through Shindoin-sama's passing. Second, based on Jeon-kyungn or Dae-soon Ji Chim, outspreading virtue is to awaken mutual cooperation without any grudge and the enlightenment teaching to practice according to mutual cooperation principle without any deceit toward one's own self. No deceit toward one's own self is to be sincere, to be respectful and to be faithful in Jeong-san Sang Jae. In the different context of Mahayana Buddhism, we can be aware that the immortal resident immortal of Dharma kāya is the source of permanent bliss in the Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra' From the perspective of comparative relationship to pray toward Jeong-san Sang Jae and to participate in the Posterior Grand Renewal is to take part in Cheonji-Gongsa. It is a similar phenomena to be reflected suchness reality before the three personifications of buddhahood and the Shinnyo Stupa is the same meaning as meeting the ever present Buddha. Both of them, they focus to find religious altruism from real possibilities of mutual support. They argue that to dispense with altruism is to dispense with Sang Jae or Dharma for the divine transformation of human possibilities Third, Everybody possesses unique and wonderful abilities to be unified with Jeong-san Sang Jae. If we seek happiness by trying to get by without making much of an effort to take part in CheonjiGongsa, it will be difficult to attain the harmony and peace of mankind with outspreading virtues and enlightenment teaching. In the 'Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra' tells us 'all sentient beings have Buddha nature' that could be the possibility to the fulfillment of buddhahood in the spiritual practice. From the comparative relationship, we can strive with open hearts and minds, in efforts that benefit others, and in ways we can work together to build a word of joy in which everyone can have an opportunity to cultivate spiritual faculty. This is based on mutually beneficial voluntary focused our principles into practice the spirit to build a mind session of Shinnyo as the civic clean precepts of 'Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra'. Fourth, the disciples of Jeong-san Sang Jae are encouraged to acquire the Mutual cooperation manner of being considerate. It is important to accumulate virtue action by daily effort. It is the contrast to awaken virtue nature by daily practice. The Buddha's nature thought of Shinjo Ito is based on the thought of Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra. It can be supported by the Shinnyo parents and the two Dojis to build a world of joy as the light dharma descending and the emphasis of Tathatā spiritual faculty. It's not that we can't do something we haven't attained a higher spiritual level. What counts is our continuos effort, act so we can cultivate our spiritual faculty through the way of mind session.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제24_2집
• /
• pp.231-270
• /
• 2015

This thesis examined Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory as the representative theory of cultivation in Confucianism, while juxtaposing it to self-cultivation theory in Daesoon thought, concentrating on its similarity and difference. Neo-Confucianism is a scholarship which has wielded a tremendous influence upon East Asia, while functioning as an official scholarship for long period up to Yuan, Ming, and Ching period, after achieving its synthesis by Chu Hsi. After 13th century, Neo-Confucianism has been a representative academic system in Confucianism, and self-cultivation theory was in its center. It suggested various virtues that classical scholars have to equip to fulfill the sainthood and the politics of royal road. The self-cultivation theory of Chu Hsi was developed upon the basis of the theory 'Li-Qi' and the theory of mind. Here, the practice of Geokyung(morally awakened state with a reverent spirit in every moment) and Gyeokmul-tsiji(reaching into the utmost knowledge through investigation of things) formed a nucleus of Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory. While Geokyung was to reveal one's true nature through cultivation of mind, Gyeokmul-tsiji was to demonstrate the complete use of mind's essence and function. Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory attempted to realize the unity of heaven and man, and through cultivating self and governing people, it also tried to achieve its ideal of the society of Great Union(Daedong). Daesoon Thought is originated from Sangjenim who has descended to this world as a human being called Jeungsan. He went on his circuit to rectify the disorder of heaven and earth for 9 years to rectify the Three worlds of heaven, earth and human being which were faced with total annihilation due to its rule of mutual conflict, while creating an earthly paradise. Respecting the will of Sangjenim, Dojunim established the foundation of Do through launching 'Meukeukdo' and setting tenet, creed and object so that the cultivators (Doins) could believe and respect the truth of Sangje's great itineration (Daesoon). Among those, the two components of creed, which are four fundamental principles and the three fundamental attitudes are of great account as precept and cardinal point. Through this means, the cultivators of Daesoonjinrihoe aspire to guard against self-deception through transforming the human spirit, to realize earthly immortality through renewing human beings, and to create an earthly paradise through transforming the world. This thesis attempted to compare and analyze the theory of self-cultivation in Neo-Confucianism and Daesoon Thought in the aspect of ground, method, and object of cultivation. First, as for the ground of cultivation, the doctrines of Chu-tzu and Daesoon thought place the essence of cultivation on 'heaven'. Yet, whereas the former postulates Taekeuk (the Great Ultimate) as a principle as well as the heaven of a natural order, Daesoon thought postulates Sangenim as the heaven of superintendence as well as the heaven of a natural order, signified as its equation of Daesoon with circle, along with the unity of Meukeuk (Endlessness) and Taegeuk (the Great Ultimate). Further, the doctrine of Chu-zhu and Daesoon thought is identical in the point that both thoughts see mind as the subject of cultivation, while trying to restore a pure essence. Nevertheless, whereas Neo-Confucianism intends to give scope to ability of the complete use of mind's essence and function, Daesoon Thought sees mind as the essence which is used by spiritual beings and as an organ that heaven, earth and human being rely upon as the center of the universe. In the aspect of method of cultivation, the doctrine of Chuzhu lays emphasis on the rational factor in that it brightens its 'myung-deoki'(bright inner virtue),' while trying to correspond to the law of heaven on the basis of 'Geokyung' and 'Gyeokmul-tsiji.' On the contrary, Daesoon thought lays much emphasis on faith factor in that it aspires for human perfection based on the restoration of conscience by cultivating Daesoonjinri with sincerity, reverence and faith along with 'quieting the heart-mind', 'quieting the body', 'respecting the God of the Ninth Heaven', and 'observing ritual practice on the basis of the faith in Sangjenim. Yet, both thoughts have similarities in that cultivation of body forms the basis and that they attempt to realize their ideals through cultivation in daily life while taking 'Guarding against self-deception' as the key method of self-cultivation.' However, the principle of Chu-zhu can be said to be a voluntary and autonomous practice based on scripture of the saint as well as self-reflection. On the other hand, Daesoon thought reveals certain difference in that it combines faith factor with one's self-effort by concentrating on cultivation under the presence of Sangjenim as the object of belief and the spirits of heaven and earth. In the aspect of object of cultivation, both thoughts share similarities in that the saint and the perfected gentleman with a moral virtue as an ideal image of men in both thoughts attempt to realize each of their 'myung-deok' in human nature as a heavenly mandate while respecting morality. Further, they also share similarity in the point that the desirable characters in both thoughts want to participate in harmonious creation and nurturance. Yet, the perfected gentleman with a moral virtue is also characterized by its aim for a new heaven and earth where there is no mutual conflict but mutual beneficence, by promoting the moral influence and virtue of Sangjenim over one's own virtue, while practising the mutual beneficence of all life through harmonious union of divine beings and human beings.

• 대순사상논총
• /
• 제43집
• /
• pp.67-102
• /
• 2022

이 연구의 목적은 대순진리회 해원상생에 내포된 인권 요소를 중심으로 북한헌법의 자체적 인권과 북한 주민의 인권 실상에 대해 고찰하는 것이다. 해원상생은 선천의 상극적 자연법에 지배된 인간의 원한을 해소하고 인간 서로서로 잘되게 해주는 의미를 가진 새로운 자연법이다. 해원상생의 자연법에는 인간 존엄의 가치인 생명권, 자유의사에 따라 결정하고 말하며 행동할 수 있는 자유권(신체의 자유, 양심의 자유, 종교의 자유, 언론의 자유, 출판의 자유), 사회적 환경에서 평등한 대우를 받을 권리인 평등권, 치료를 통해 최고 수준의 건강을 확보할 권리인 건강권이 내포되어 있다. 북한헌법에는 헌법의 근본원리인 천부적 인권을 보장하기 위한 제도적 장치로서의 성격이 없고, 독재자와 독재체제를 옹호하고 주체사상을 완성하기 위한 혁명 전사의 권리를 규정하고 있다. 생명권은 사회정치적 생명론에 따라 개인의 생명이 집단의 생명에 귀속되도록 명시되어 있다. 자유권은 집단주의 원칙에 따라 개인의 이익보다 집단의 이익을 더 우선시하도록 명시되어 있다. 평등권과 건강권은 계급적 차별을 명시하여 차별적 대우를 정당화시켰다. 북한 주민의 생명권은 북한형법과 형법부칙의 사형제도로 인해 보장받지 못하고 있다. 북한 정권은 공개처형을 통해 북한 주민이 인간으로서 존엄하게 죽을 수 있는 권리까지 박탈하고 있다. 북한 정권은 노동당의 지시로 적법절차가 이루어지게 하고, 종교를 미신 또는 아편으로 인식하며, 노동당이 언론과 출판물을 감시하게 하여 신체·종교·언론·출판의 자유를 보장하지 않는다. 북한 주민은 신분에 따라 분류되고, 가부장적 질서에 따라 전근대적 생활방식을 강요받으며, 평등권을 보장받지 못하고 있다. 또한 의료분야 가용성·접근성의 양극화와 무상치료제의 붕괴로 건강권을 보장받지 못하고 있다.