• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.38
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• pp.1-46
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• 2021

Since ancient times, the word Deok (德, virtue) has been used as a term in ethics. In the east, it originally meant 'to acquire (得),' and during the warring states period, it was used to indicate 'personality' or 'value;' especially for political leaders. Then, in Confucianism, the word Deok developed into an ethical term suggesting that people should acquire Deok in their action so as to achieve human perfection. In Daesoon Thought, Deok originates from the Dao, and the two are close in the same manner that Yin and Yang are close and interrelated. The Dao of Daesoon Thought indicates the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, which Gucheon Sangje had opened when he performed his Gongbu (holy work) at Daewonsa Temple, is such that the Great Deok was divided into the Deok of Heaven, the Deok of Earth, and the Deok of Humanity. This allows for the realization of Deok in each of the Three Realms. Jo Jeongsan, the successor of Gucheon Sangje, said that he will inherit the Great Deok originated from the Great Dao and enlighten the world to the Dao. The cause of the accumulation of grievances in the Three Realms was due to the failure to sufficiently spread Deok throughout the Three Realms. The Later World is where Deok will be offered in its full extent as it was secured by the Cheonjigongsa (Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth) performed by Gucheon Sangje. However, as the main agent of spreading Deok is the heart-mind, humans need to cultivate their heart-mind in the correct way. When humans finally become Dotong-gunja (beings who are perfectly unified with the Dao) and generously practice Deok in the world, there will be no grievances anywhere in the Three Realms. There are four ways of practicing Deok: Deok by caring for life, Eondeok (Deok of speech), Gongdeok (practicing meritorious Deok), and Podeok (spreading of Deok) to the world. Practicing the Deok by caring for life is to save and protect living beings based on the spirit of Jesaenguise (saving lives and curing the world). Eondeok is practiced when people speak to others in a positive way that fosters widespread goodness based on the spirit of Sangsaeng (mutual beneficence). When people perform Gongdeok they will be rewarded for their actions. Podeok can be realized when the followers of Sangje spread the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth based on the teachings of Daesoon Thought.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.50
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• pp.139-178
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• 2013

본 논문은 조선시대의 장여헌(張旅軒)과 일본 에도(江戶) 시대의 이토 진사이(伊藤仁齋)의 사상, 특히 도(道)에 관한 견해를 중심으로 인간론과 도덕론을 고찰하여 그 둘의 사상적 특징을 밝히고자 하는 시도이다. 논의의 진행은 먼저 도(道)에 관한 여헌과 진사이의 이해를 주자학적 논의와의 원근 거리와 천도(天道) 인도(人道)와의 관계에서 살펴보았고, 다음으로 인간관에 있어서는 자기와 타인과의 관계를 중심으로 인간에 관한 이해를 논하였으며, 다음으로 마음과 경(敬), 서(恕)에 관한 두 사상가의 상반된 이해를 소개하면서 도덕론을 논하였다. 이하 요점을 추려보면 다음과 같다. 진사이는 도를 천지의 도와 단절된 인륜일용의 인간의 도로 한정하였고 인간에 대해서도 개적 존재를 사상시킨 관계적 존재에 초점을 두고 파악하였다. 그런 관점 위에서 개인 수양의 출발점이 되는 마음이나 경에 대해서도 큰 비중을 두지 않았고, 그것은 개인의 자율성보다는 외적인 규범에 보다 많은 신뢰를 두고 그것에 자신을 맞추어 가는 일종의 타율적인 관계(집단) 속의 도덕론의 전개로 나타나고 있음을 논하였다. 여헌은 도(道)를 천지만물과 사람 모두가 의거하는 총체적인 개념으로 파악하였고, 더 나아가 사람의 도가 능동적으로 천도와 지도를 구현하는 중심이라고 하였다. 이런 관점 위에서 여헌은 인간은 몸(형기(形氣))을 가진 개적 존재이지만 동시에 그 몸의 일부인 천지만물과 통하는 마음을 갖고 있다는 점에서 보편적인 존재라고 정의하며, 그 마음을 다스리는 경(敬)공부를 개인 수양의 기본임과 동시에 천지만물의 보편적 이치를 체득하는 근본적인 실천공부로 중시하였다. 이러한 여헌의 도와 인간에 대한 이해는 도덕의 실현에 있어서 자신이 중심이 되어 그것의 확장으로 모두가 하나가 되는 동심원적 파동의 도덕론으로 전개되고 있음을 고찰하였다.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.28
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• pp.133-163
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• 2017

It is the aim of this paper to elucidate the meaning of 'Sangsaeng' in Daesoon Thought on the basis of its relation to Life and Spirit in the philosophy of Hegel. To achieve this aim, this article compares three important concepts from Daesoon Thought, namely the 'gods of heaven and earth,' 'Haewon', and 'Sangsaeng' with Hegel's 'Life,' 'Spirit,' and the 'struggle for recognition.' This paper will clarify the commonalities as well as the differences between Daesoon Thought and Hegelian philosophy. The comparison between Hegel's concept of 'life' and the 'gods of heaven and earth' shows a specific relationship between a life and a soul which is characterized by duality. The point of similarity is that the two thoughts regards the soul as the basis of all things in nature including the life itself and spirit. This is the duality of the soul in nature and spirit as the truth of nature. But the difference is that Hegel does not reduce all things in nature including life itself to the soul as the truth of nature. This paper will argue that Hegel's idea of spirit returning from nature to itself has a similarity with the essence of Haewon in Haewon-sangsaeng. Hegel insists that spirit submerges initially in nature just as human beings in Daesoon Thought have inherent Won. The realization of the spirit in the Subjective Spirit shows that the spirit sublimates this initial submergence in nature und reveals itself in corporeality. This study will suggest that this realization of spirit including the struggle for recognition may be interpreted as the meaning of Sangsaeng.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.42
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• pp.75-108
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• 2022

This paper aims to newly investigate the meaning of life in this era when various discussions on life and ethical living are commonly raised by comparing and examining the theories of life proposed by Confucianism and Daesoon Thought. Both Confucianism and Daesoon Thought explain the creation of all things as having been based on the principles of life in heaven and earth. Specifically, there is the will to live (生意 saengeui) and also divine beings (神明 sinmyeong). For this reason, everything in heaven and earth is created by obtaining the same principle of life such that it is an equal being with the same intrinsic value. Here the consciousness of being one body amid all things as one living thing is established. The consciousness of being one body forms an organic worldview in which all things are one. As a result, all things in heaven and earth exist within a mutual organic relationship, and that makes oneself and others precious life partners that coexist rather than separate beings. Nevertheless, both Confucianism and Daesoon Thought define humans as outstanding beings, set aside for a higher purpose than other beings. The excellence of humans is that by constantly engaging in self reflection and completing tasks through independent efforts, they thereby achieve the great moral doctrine of coexistence and symbiosis. In this process, cultivation of character (修養 suyang) and cultivation of the Dao (修道 sudo) are presented as means to realize one's nature and establish the right human image. By realizing nature or humanity through the cultivation of character and cultivation of the Dao, humans fulfill their responsibilities and missions by independently participating in being nourished by Heaven and Earth (天地化育 cheonjihwayuk) or the Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth (天地公事 cheonjigongsa), both being based in the concept of the three generative forces of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity (天·地·人 cheon·ji·in). In the end, the theories of life posited by Confucianism and Daesoon Thought are based on a consciousness of being one body. Both emphasize the characteristics and roles of humans who are distinguished from other beings and phenomena. At this time, human characteristics and roles are revealed as the reasons for which humans have a responsibility and mission take care of all things. From this point of view, it can be seen that the theoretical structure of Neo-Confucianism and Daesoon Thought, in regards to their theories of life, is rather similar.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.48
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• pp.445-479
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• 2024

The ideological context of the Unity of Heaven and Humankind (天人合一) is useful as an approach to understanding the meaning of 'human affairs (人事)' in Daesoon Thought. In Daesoon Thought, the meaning of 'human affairs' occurs within the context of 'the Way of humans (人道)' being based upon 'the Way of Heaven (天道).' However, in Daesoon Thought, the characteristic of 'the Way of Heaven' originates from the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven (上帝) and His Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth (天地公事). Specifically, this entails the principle of 'what is devised by humanity (謀事在人), is achieved by Heaven (成事在天),' which is inverted to become 'what is devised by Heaven (謀事在天), is achieved by humanity (成事在人).' This is the principle of 'human affairs' that is revealed as the relationship between Humanity and Heaven is newly defined. In addition, the newly changed relationship between Humanity and Heaven is presented as the principle of 'divine beings and human beings mutually guide one another (神人依導).' This principle clearly expresses 'human affairs' in the context of Daesoon Thought. Accordingly, the two directions in which 'human affairs' are completed are expressed as two stages: spiritual enlightenment (靈通) and the Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings (神人調化). These two directions in which 'human affairs' pursues 'the Way of Heaven' show a depth beyond just encompassing transcendence and immanence. The relationship between 'the Way of Heaven' and the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven, in particular, is a useful point for appreciating the how the meaning of 'human affairs' in Daesoon Thought differs from other uses of the term which occur elsewhere.

• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.57-70
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• 2006

In this paper, we study the meaning and symbols of the number three and the structure of dividing into three parts in the religions, views of the world and the nature. Also we investigate the meaning of the number three, and the structure of dividing into three in the Samsung myth. According to legend, the 'Three Names' (Samsung-Yang, Ko and Pu) which are three demi-gods emerged from Samsung-hyeol(called Moheung-hyeol), and became the progenitors of the Jeju people who founded the Kingdom of Tamna.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.33
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• pp.219-255
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• 2019

'Dao' is an important research subject as it is the main term for 'ultimate reality' in East Asian religious thought. Understanding the concept of 'Dao' is essential to reach the state of 'Perfected Unification with Dao,' the ultimate aspiration in Daesoon Thought. The meaning of 'Dao' can vary such as 'Dao' meaning 'way', which was first introduced in Jinwen. There is also the 'Dao' of yin and yang, and Dao used to mean human obligation, or Dao meaning the way of Heaven. These can also be classified into five categories: Constant Dao, Heavenly Dao, Divine Dao, Human Dao, and the Dao of Sangsaeng. Every natural phenomenon of birth, growth, and death in the universe operates under the patterns of Heaven and Earth. Therefore, Constant Dao in Daesoon Thought is the ultimate pattern underlying human action and the operations of Heaven and Earth. These apply not only to the natural and the divine world but also to the human world. It can be said that 'Rather than natural law or moral symbol of the world, 'Heavenly Dao' means the great Dao that saves the world through the Daesoon Truth of Sangje, Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven. Divine Dao can be said to be 'the Dao by which man must complete his work according to the law and the will of God,' that is, 'the Dao by which God and man are united together by Sangje's heavenly order and teaching, which aims for humanity, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom.' When the world is in a state of calamity and crisis, the request for the saint's Dao can symbolized by the kings, Yao and Shun, in The Canonical Scripture (Jeon-gyeong). The saint's Dao saves the dying world and people's lives and is called 'saving lives by curing the world (濟生醫世)'. It can be regarded as a characteristic of Human Dao in Daesoon Thought, which is the human obligation to follow Sangje's order, the great Dao to save the world. The Dao of Sangsaeng is the true dharma that rectifies the world full of mutual conflict through the ethics of the Later World, which is to promote the betterment of others and to practice the human Dao that saves the world and rebuilds the Constant Dao. Thus, The concept of Dao in Daesoon Thought is Daesoon Truth which applies to and operates throughout all realms of Heaven, Earth, Humanity, and the Divine world. Dao in Daesoon Thought was influenced by the historical background in which it emerged and this can be seen in its ideological features. It embraces the traditional concept of Dao, which refers to the Chinese classics and represents the main schools of thought in East Asia: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. And it is unique in that it implies the will of Sangje as a religious object, a supreme being. It can be seen that Daesoon Thought has developed through the process of defining the concept of Dao by harmonizing both the universality and specificity of modern Korean religious thought.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.58
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• pp.65-96
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• 2018

Modern and contemporary humanities and social sciences supported the freedom and abundance of people. Today, however, freedom and abundance do not support human dignity, and are not sustainable. Therefore, we must reflect again on the direction of today's life and civilization. As part of this project, this essay analyzes the modern and contemporary humanities and social sciences and examines the meaning of Korean traditional thoughts. The lines presented to us by Korean traditional thought can be summed up 'the Three Elements of the Universe(Heaven, Earth and Man)' and 'Perfect Harmony between the Soul and the Body' and 'true humanitarianism.' These lines can be a starting point to overcome the problems posed by the lines of freedom and abundance in two contexts : First, while the lines of freedom and abundance today were biased toward the elements of the Earth or the Body, the traditional Korean thoughts have been both elements of the Heaven and the Soul since the beginning, which can therefore serve as a true humanitarian. Second, the true humanitarian line is as much sustainable as it criticizes the uncontrolled freedom and abundance, and seeks the right moderation to become a man of dignity.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.50
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• pp.201-234
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• 2016

This thesis examined interpreting methodology of Do Won Lew Seung Kug(1923~2011) is based on the principle of Juhng-yaug. His lifelong academic aim was searching for the theory that enables global community to co-exist peacefully through humanitarianism that leads to reconciliation and mutual benefits. The research of the history of Korean thoughts provided him with the clue for his theory. According to Do Won, Korean thoughts pursue the Juhng-yaug's value of 'Yin and Yang accordance' rather than the I-Ching's value of 'suppress Yin and elevate Yang'. He furthermore asserts the concept of the middle (中), which harmonizes the two extremes by human beings as main agents, has been consistently observed from the action of divination during the ancient period through Juhng-yaug in the late 19th century. Do Won identifies 'human maturity that integrates the extremely conflicting insistences and values and seeks to be reconciled' as the basic character of Korean thoughts. He explains 'Hongikingan[弘益人間, becoming beneficial to the human world] is the idea that embraces the conflicting values symbolized by heaven and the earth. He also illuminates that Choe Chi Won(崔致遠)'s created Poongliu Do by integrating heterogeneity among Confucianism, Buddhim, and Daoism and it was attainable through the various works of mature human beings. Both Toe Gye' s philosophy of Ingeuk(人極, the Great Ultimate of Person) and the concept of Innaecheon(人乃天, Human Being right is Heaven) of Donghak are excellent examples of Humanitarianism that sublate two extremes. In Korea, the prototype of this thought has penetrated its entire history in the various circumstances of the period. The grand finale is Juhng-yaug of which the pursued values are 'Yin and Yang accordance' and mature humanitarianism revealed by the thoughts of the Person of the Central Ultimate (皇極人,至人) and Central Ultimate (皇極). Therefore, Humanitarianism in Korean thoughts clearly makes its appearance by the time of Juhng-yaug and it functions as a keyword to illuminate the entire history of Korean thoughts in reverse.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.33
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• pp.319-349
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• 2019

This study aims to elucidate the origin and yield of life and its characteristics and purpose in Daesoon Thought. Thereby, Taegeuk (the Great Ultimate) and Sangje (the Supreme God) have been deemed the source and ontology of life. The structure of each living creature is explained through reason (理), energy (氣) and spirit (神). In addition, through vital reason and living energy, the purpose of life makes the realization of the benevolent characteristics of life possible through the mind of Sangje. This line of research is unique among currently available research views of life as it perceives the spirit to be an ontological entity with functions and interactive engagement. By way of contrast, prior research suggests that spirit is life itself and includes it in the category of life and death. The Daesoon view of life is unique in that it is somewhat influenced by ontology and developmental theories from Confucianism, yet the concept of divine beings suggests a humanistic Sangje, who presides over the Great Ultimate. The realization of reason in this model is rather thought-provoking. Humans, just like other living things, are born with vital essence and function and interact as a main source to preside over the innate spirits inside themselves. Humans take responsibility for a certain sphere in the Three Realms that make up the world. They are also recognized as a significant feature in the world. Such an idea in Daesoon Thought depicts that 'the enshrinement of spirit into human being (神封於人),' follows Heaven and Earth. This is done to rectify humans in order to meet the needs of the universe and ultimately establish the era of the enshrinement of spirits into human beings. As for humanity, this possibility exists because of the spirits contained within their inner-selves. When cultivating oneself, humans and outer spirits actively interact with each other. This is likely to cause changes in a human's constitution and characteristics. In the end, one can be enshrined with corresponding divine beings according to one's degree of cultivation. Humans are born through the command of Sangje and the accomplishments of their ancestors as well as the energy of the universe. Present day humans encounter the era of human nobility and the era of humankind's divine salvation. Thereby, the purpose of human life is to contribute to the universe. To achieve this goal, the most important thing is to wholly realize that one's nature and reason were endowed by Heaven, which emerged from virtuous conduct in society. This is also akin to the movement of reason in Jeungsanist Thought. Sangsaeng (mutual beneficence) among oneself and others and between human beings and divine beings can be completed through the resolution of grievances for mutual beneficence and the grateful reciprocation of favors for mutual beneficence. If one accomplishes the perfected state of one's own nature and reveals it wholly, then one will be fully able to interact with spirits and reach the state of the human nobility.