• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.32
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• pp.77-108
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• 2019

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the characteristics of 'Podeok' in Daesoon Jinrihoe. The term Podeok can cause some misunderstanding as the same word Deok (德 virtue) has long been used in the Eastern Tradition. In other words, for most people who are used to traditional thought, Podeok may be conflated with the similar word 'Deok (virtue)' as used within Confucianism. People who are familiar with Confucian culture might thereby misunderstand the term Podeok as an aspect of Confucian moral ethics, or they could misconstrue Daesoon Jinrihoe as having appropriated and misused Confucian ideas. Furthermore, there are other problems that could arise if people compare Daesoon Jinrihoe's 'Podeok' with 'Deok (virtue)' as used by Laozi. While Deok in Laozi's usage represents the ability of an individual who can exercise his or her rationality with excellence, Deok in Daesoon Jinrihoe indicates the idea of actualizing Mutual Beneficence and the conditions that enable Mutual Beneficence. If one understands Deok as used by Laozi to contain the meaning of Mutual Beneficence, then it is possible to think that the two tradition share a similar meaning of Deok as Podeok in Daesoon Jinrihoe pursues Mutual Beneficence as its ultimate value. In order to preemptively correct these misunderstandings, I need to clarify how the idea of Deok was born out of traditional thought and what meanings it embodies. Additionally, it is necessary to examine how it became meaningful in Confucianism, and how it was criticized and ascribed new meanings in Laozi's thought. Through these clarification, it will become clear that Deok originally indicated a religious ritual that the king of the Zhou Dynasty performed after receiving the heavenly mandate and assuming rule over the nation. Later, this idea was transformed into a moral virtue and norm by Confucius. This moral virtue and norm was criticized by Laozi as an unnatural form of control as it was understood by Laozi as a teleological argument justifying whether or not lives were to be saved or sustained based on the perceived merits of each individual. On the contrary, Deok in Daesoon Jinrihoe and traditional thought stand on a totally different theological bases. Deok in Daesoon Jinrihoe is a means to practice and realize the truth of the earthly paradise of the Later World and the truth of Mutual Beneficence which were posited to the world through Kang Jeungsan's Works of Haewon (grievance resolution) that resolved the pattern of mutual conflict that characterized the Former World. Therefore, the idea of Podeok in Daesoon Jinrihoe gains completion only on the premises of Haewon Sangsaeng (resolution of grievances for mutual beneficence) and Boeun Sangsaeng (reciprocation of favors for mutual beneficence), and the way to practice Podeok is to practice Haewon Sangsaeng and Boeun Sangsaeng. In addition, the subordinate virtues such as loyalty, filial piety, and faithfulness that exist within Daesoon Jinrihoe's religious practice are not same as those of traditional thought. They are new concepts of virtues drawn from the cosmological laws of Daesoon Jinrihoe. To be specific, the virtues of Daesoon Jinrihoe are not rules that create discrimination and mutual conflict, but are instead ethical rules established upon the basis of Heaven and Earth having been newly organized, and thus, they will bring virtuous concordance, harmonious union, and mutual beneficence. The idea of 'Podeok' in Daesoon Jinrihoe can be understood as a religious practice that requires doctrinal understanding and tangible practice in daily life of followers. In other words, it is not the same Deok of earlier traditional thought in East Asia, but is instead a religious truth by which practitioners realize the truth of Sangje's Works of Haewon in human world as they practice Haewon Sangsaeng and Boeun Sangsaeng.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.4
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• pp.483-539
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• 1998

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.21
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• pp.323-367
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• 2013

한국의 대순진리회는 증산 성사의 가르침을 숭신하는 종교단체로서, 한국 사회에 상당한 영향력을 가지고 있다. 1969년 창설된 대순진리회는 포덕·교화·수도를 삼대 기본사업으로, '음양합덕·신인조화·해원상생·도통진경'을 종지로, '안심·안신·경천·수도'를 사강령으로, '성·경·신'을 수도의 삼요체로 삼고 있다. 또한 인간개조와 포덕천하·구제창생·보국안민을 통하여 지상천국을 건설하는 것을 목표로 한다. 대순진리회는 사상적 측면에서 무(巫)와 유(儒)·불(佛)·도(道)를 포용하고 있다. 이러한 대순사상을 바탕으로 대순진리회의 도인들은 근엄하고 세밀한 실천수도를 수행하는데, 그 내용을 살펴보면 중국 유·불·도의 양생문화와 많은 공통점이 있는 동시에, 또한 뚜렷한 한국 문화의 특색을 띠는 부분도 있다. 이런 면들은 모두 개인적 수도와 사회적 안정을 실현하는 데 큰 도움이 되고 있다. '안심·안신·경천·수도'의 사강령은 대순진리회의 도인들이 지켜야 할 가장 기본적인 행위규범이다. '성·경·신'의 삼요체는 사강령을 실천하기 위한 내면적 수양으로서 모든 수도활동의 근본이 되는 것이다. 삼요체 중에서 '성'을 가장 근본적인 것으로 생각하는데, 그 이유는 오직 '성'을 갖춘 사람만이 '경'과 '신'을 논할 수 있기 때문이다. 반대로 마음속에 망념이 있거나 경거망동을 하는 사람들은 상제에 대한 '경'과 '신'을 잃게 된다. '성실함'이라는 내면적 도덕 품성은 인간으로 하여금 더욱 정직하고 안정되며 오래 지속되게 한다. 뿐만 아니라 '성'은 수도자들로 하여금 더욱 순수해지고, 어리석음을 버리게 한다. 크나큰 도를 성취하려면 먼저 이렇게 얼핏 보기에는 어리석지만 끈기 있는 마음이 필요하다. '성'하면 기운이 솟구쳐 내면이 더욱 안정되고 번뇌는 사라진다. 성심을 수련하면 마음이 안정되고, 마음이 안정되면 정신이 안정되는데, 정신이 안정되면 걱정이 사라지기에 몸도 건강해진다. 삼요체중 '경'과 '신'에 있는 큰 의미 가운데 하나는 상제님에 대한 경배와 믿음을 끝까지 가지라는 것이다. '해원상생·보은상생'은 대순사상의 가장 중요한 대도(大道) 윤리로서 도인들의 수도를 인도하는 기본적인 법칙이다. 대순진리회에서 말하는 해원은 단지 개인 한 사람의 해원이 아니라 우주의 질서를 바로잡는 해원이라는 점에서 중요하다. 그렇기 때문에 대순진리회 도인들은 개개인으로 시작하여 자신의 원한을 해결할 뿐만 아니라, 땅의 원한, 천민의 원한, 여인의 원한 등 모든 원을 해결해 주고자 한다. 즉 삼계의 모든 불평등을 해소하고 불합리한 부분을 바로잡는 것이다. 해원의 다른 측면은 보은이라 할 수 있다. 해원과 보은은 상보상조의 관계에 있는데, 이는 곧 도인들이 행하는 수도의 양 날개라 생각된다. 해원을 통하여 과거의 장애를 제거하고, 보은을 통하여 현재의 덕을 쌓는 것이다. 보은을 하려면 항상 감사의 마음을 간직해야 한다. 그 의미는 인간관계에 있어서 다른 사람이 베푼 은혜를 항상 고맙게 생각해야 한다는 것이며, 더 나아가 천지가 우리에게 베푼 은혜도 감사하게 생각해야 한다는 것이다. 모든 원한이 풀어지고, 모든 은혜를 다 갚았을 때 삼계가 조화롭고 통하게 될 것이다. 대순진리회에서는 도인들의 실천수도 면에서 두 가지 측면을 강조하는데, 즉 포덕교화와 근언신행이다. 근언신행은 자아발전을 위한 도인들의 내적 수련이며, 포덕교화는 도인들이 외부 세상에 대순사상을 알리고 가르치는 것을 말한다. 양자는 동전의 양면과 같이 떨어질 수 없는 관계에 있다. 다른 사람을 포덕·교화 하려면 도인들 스스로가 먼저 말과 행동에 조심해야 한다. 왜냐하면 말과 행동을 조심하는 것 자체가 곧 포덕교화에서 다른 사람의 모범이 되기 때문이다. 인생을 살면서 추구해야 할 가장 높은 목표는 덕(德)을 세우는 것이고, 그 다음은 공(功)을 세우는 것이며, 그 다음은 언(言)을 세우는 것이다. 덕·공·언은 세월이 지나도 그 가치가 빛을 바래지 않는다. 이 세 가지 중 한 가지를 이룬 사람이면 불후하다고 할 수 있다. 성인들이 성인으로 칭송 받았던 이유는 모두 육체를 초월한 덕·공·언으로 세상을 풍요롭게 했기 때문이다. 그렇기 때문에 비록 그들이 세상을 떠났다 하더라도 마치 살아있는 것처럼 영원히 추앙되니, 이것을 통하여 영생을 얻는 것이다. '영생(永生)' 만큼 높은 경지에 도달하는 '양생'이 또 어디에 있겠는가? 대순진리회 실천수도의 최고목표는 바로 인간 내면의 수양을 최고의 경지로 끌어올리는 것으로서 이는 곧 음양합덕·도통진경이다. 다시 말해서 영원히 불후한 경지에 이르고 만세(萬歲)토록 영생하는 것이며 신(神) 그리고 성인이 되는 것이다.

• 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.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.29
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• pp.209-239
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• 2017

This study focuses on reviewing the concepts, roles, meanings, and values ascribed to females and femininity as observable in Daesoon thought and in Feminist theory. Especially with regards to the process of achieving gender equality through the resolution of grievance for females in Daesoon thought, the study draws positive and desirable roles within this practice by specifically examining good deeds performed by females and practical roles that females play. By doing so, this study finds a way to go from the world of mutual contention to the world of resolving grievances that have arisen due to the oppression of yin and the encouragement of yang. First wave feminism can be summarized as the inclination for equality. In Daesoon thought concerning this and from standpoint of females, the most ideal image of woman is one of a female Perfected Being who is unified with Dao and has thereby achieved perfection of her humanity apart from gender. In the Later World (Hucheon), people can get results based on their hard work regardless of gender. The enlightenment of Dao is such that it is not important to distinguish between males and females. Both of them can be 'unified with dao'. Therefore, despite the similarity, the concepts of equality in first wave feminism and the resolution of grievance for women have differences in terms of their ideal vision of equality. The representative claim in second wave feminism is 'consideration' and, in this context, 'consideration' has pronounced feminine characteristics. In Daesoon thought, this sense of 'consideration' is related to the concept of 'Jamojijeong', a term that refers to motherly affection. However, it is not simply a virtue of females and mothers, but rather the value of 'Yin (pronounced in Sino-Korean as 'Eum')' called 'Eumdeok (hidden virtue)'. Jamojijeong means that people should behave in a modest way and this helps them achieve their aims. It is also closely related with 'femininity' in the sense of Eum. One of processes spreading it socially is to propagate virtue (Podeok) and if harmony is achieved through it, then 'right yin and right yang' emerge as the precondition by which Pyeong Do (Pacification of Tao) can be realized. Furthermore, because the aspect of Pyeong is a cosmic process, it has distinct differences from the social aims of feminism and the worldly aims of other numerous ideologies. In proceeding from the Former World (Seoncheon), an era of mutual contention, to the Later World, an era of mutual beneficence, it is essential to emphasize the connection between 'harmony (Hwa)' and 'propagating virtue' as the starting point from which the perspective of Daesoon thought aiming at the principle of 'Pyeong' and 'Hwa' emerges. Herein one can discover that the realization of Daesoon thought is based on the vitalization of the feminine value of 'Jamojijeong'.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.23
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• pp.193-239
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• 2014

본 논문은 대순사상의 선화(善化)사상을 살펴보고 그 주체성을 밝히는데 목적이 있다. 『전경』에서는 어떻게 선을 드러내고 행하며 더 나아가 선으로 중생을 교육하고 천하를 교화하는가 하는 선화의 문제를 다루고 있는데, 이는 곧 대순진리회의 핵심 사상으로 볼 수 있다. '선화'사상은 세 가지 내용으로 설명할 수 있다. 첫째, 도덕적 의미에서 만물을 도와서 교화시키거나 만물을 크게 이롭게 하는 속성을 가지고 있다. 둘째, 상선(上善)의 덕 외에도 상선의 법이 필요한데, 이는 '선을 행하는 목적'에 부합하고 또한 선을 행하는 법칙을 지키는 실천방법과 절차를 말한다. 셋째, 가장 높은 차원에서의 '선'은 윤리도덕의 단계를 초월한다. 이에 대순진리회의 '선화'사상을 살펴보면 첫째, 대순진리회의 목적인 무자기, 포덕천하, 광제창생, 보국안민, 지상천국건설에 나타난 문자의 표면적 의미와 내재적 의미는 모두 '선화'의 내용에 포함된다. 둘째, 대순진리회 목적의 실현은 그 종지와 신조에 의거하는데, '합덕·조화·해원'과 사강령(四綱領)과 삼요체(三要諦)에도 '선화'의 의미가 포함되어 있다. 셋째, 대순진리회의 목적은 도인들의 구체적 행위를 통해 실현되는데, 수도와 공부의 필요성과 규범 속 그리고 상제와 도주 조정산(趙鼎山)의 창교(創敎)나 선교(宣敎) 등 구체적인 실례에서도 '선화'의 원칙이 분명하게 드러나 있다. 대순진리회의 '선화'사상은 전형적이고 신성한 종교 도덕적 특징과 일상생활의 의미가 담긴 사회 윤리적 특징이 있으며, 또한 윤리를 초월하고 진선(盡善)을 추구하는 궁극적 목적의식과 이론적 깊이가 있다. 대순진리회 '선화'사상의 주체성과 이론구조를 분석하면 다음과 같다. 첫째, 대순진리회의 '선화'사상에서는 무엇보다 윤리 도덕적 측면에서의 선의 배양과 실천을 중시한다. 둘째, 대순진리회의 '선화'사상은 윤리도덕의 선을 실천하는 법문(法門)을 제시하였다. 셋째, 대순진리회의 '선화'사상은 수도의 최종 목적인 대선(大善)·지선(至善)·진선(盡善) 등을 추구하고 실현할 것을 강조하였다. 선화사상이 나타내는 핵심인 '선덕'과 이로부터 발전된 '선행선법(善行善法)'이 결국 윤리도덕의 차원을 초월하였음을 알 수 있다.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.33
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• pp.91-145
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• 2019

This study aims to reveal that Daesoon Jinrihoe Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex is a sacred place of Gaebyeokgongsa (the Reordering Works of the Great Opening) through the logic of the energy of form in Feng-Shui studies. The Headquarters Temple Complex can illuminate the lamp of coexistence, emerge as a place for cultivation, and support the era of human nobility with Gucheonsangje (the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven) as an object of faith. Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang, Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings, the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence, and Perfected Unification with Dao are the mission statements of this great site. For this purpose, it is necessary to investigate the headquarters according to integral Feng-Shui Theory. Doing so can provide proof that the geographic location, landscape, yin-yang harmonizing, and flowing veins of terrestrial energy at Headquarters Temple Complex are all profoundly auspicious. At the same time, this data also allows further study into the interactions of dragon-veins, energy hubs, surrounding mountains, and watercourses, which reveal how Daesoon Jinrihoe Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex promotes the basic works of propagation, edification, and cultivation and three societal works of charity aid, social welfare, and education for the purpose of global propagation, saving beings, and building an earthly paradise by reforming humanity and engaging in spiritual civilization. This must be done on site with proper Feng-Shui in order to open up the era of human nobility upon the Great Opening of the Later World. As the center of the religious order, Daesoon Jinrihoe, Yeoju Headquarter Temple Complex has the general Feng-Shui characteristic of Baesanimsu (a back supported by a mountain and a front facing water). Through discussing the Feng-Shui of Daesoon Jinrihoe's Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex as the center of humankind's resolution of grievances for mutual beneficence, this study would explore growth-supporting land that delivers future rewards through Feng-Shui symbolism and the ethical practice of grateful reciprocation of favors for mutual beneficence. This exploration will reveal how the geographical features and conditions of the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex make it a place fit for spiritual cultivation. It is a miraculous luminous court surrounded by mountains, where auspicious signs in eight directions gather. Its veins of terrestrial energy harmonize with clean water energy as it is affectionately situated within its natural environment. Its location corresponds with the Feng-Shui theory of dragon-veins, energy hubs, surrounding mountains, and watercourses. Thus, with regards to the Feng-Shui of Daesoon Jinrihoe's Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex, this study examines the flows of mountains and waters and focuses on how the site is based on the logic of Feng-Shui. More generally, the geographical features of the surrounding mountains are likewise examined. An analysis of the relationship between Poguk (布局) of Sasinsa (animal symbols of the four directions, four gods, including blue dragon of the east, red phoenix of the south, white tiger of the west, and black tortoise of the north) and the location will be provided while focusing on the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex. This study supports the feasibility of further Feng-Shui studies of the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex based on traditional geomancy books that focusing on Hyeonggi (Energy of Form) Theory.

• (The) Research of the performance art and culture
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• no.35
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• pp.125-174
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• 2017

The Cheondeok-Song (religious songs of Cheondo-Gyo) of the Japanese colonial period shown on Cheondo-Gyohwe-Weolbo, the monthly magazine of Cheondo-Gyo Church were examined in this paper. The results are as follows. There are scores of songs, lyrics, and articles related to Cheondeok-Song in the monthly magazine. The five-tone scale or Korean traditional rhythm style was partly used, but western music form was dominant in most of the songs. Especially the four-part form of Christian hymns became usual since 1931. This shows how people thought of the new trends. The reception of the new trends being emphasized, but they recognized tradition as an object of overcoming rather than of succeeding. The lyrics contain religious contents and the spirit of the period to restore national self-respect and contribute to the world peace through overcoming Japanese imperialism. But the rhythm of seven and five syllables which is suspected to have been introduced by Japan was spread after the 1920s. Cheondeok-Song have been sung in the three grand anniversaries and other anniversaries, the Prayer-day, in Cheondo-Gyo church services on Sunday, ceremonies, and in lecture. There are various kinds of songs and their status is very high. Especially, Cheondeok-Song have been used actively in mission works and edification for women. Cheondeok-Song actively reflected the domestic and international trends and the demands of that times. They could sing self perfection through enlightenment and also the social reform based on it. These are the reasons why I think Cheondeok-Song of those days are so important. Cheondeok-Song reflected modern elements actively, but couldn't succeed the national form and the traditional elements properly. The problem of cultural identity is not only a specific group's but also that of the whole humanity of maintaining cultural diversity. This is also a task that Cheondo-Gyo Cheondeok-Song have to solve in the future.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.35
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• pp.427-476
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• 2020

Park Wudang formally registered Daesoon Jinrihoe in 1969. While it shares ideas and history with other Jeungsanist groups, this paper argues that its organizational profile is unique. The two major institutional structures, the bonbu (headquarters) and the bangmyeon (branch) have together created space for the rapid development of this Korean new religion. The bonbu is a centralized hierarchy, while the bangmyeon exhibits the strong loyalty and cohesiveness of the clan. Running throughout both structural forms is the lineage concept, which is conceived here as an articulating paradigm able to operate in different organizational forms. This finely-balanced institutional structure makes a major contribution to Daesoon Jinrihoe's ability to fulfill its religious mission. The first side of this balance is the headquarters, which includes the core organization based in Yeoju as well as some outside temples and training centers. All of these were established under the direction of the Lord of Principle, the Dojeon, Park Wudang. Park Wudang also fixed the Dao Constitution, the Doheon, which serves as a blueprint for governance. From the Central Council to the various institutions for propagation, guidance, and auditing, current management practices conform closely to Park Wudang's organization vision. The second aspect of Daesoon Jinrihoe's organization is the branch structure. The larger branches, such as Yeongwol and Geumreung, are complex organizations in their own rights. The paper concludes by characterizing the two major axes of headquarters and branch as organizational types. Using Robert Quinn and Kim Cameron's institutional typology, the paper concludes that the bonbu is a classic centralized hierarchy with its focus on efficiency. The bangmyeon, in contrast, with its high level of group identity and spirit, comes approximates the clan institutional structure.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.44
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• pp.263-297
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• 2023

This study aims to understand human nature in Daesoon Thought. In addition, it seeks to determine the characteristics of human nature and how the theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought relates to the direction of the Basic Works and the Three Major Societal Works of Daesoon Jinrihoe. In order to understand the theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought, I have classified various theories of human nature that appear in the Confucian tradition and have analyzed and reviewed them. I used this framework of types as a methodological criterion to study the theory of human nature found in Daesoon Thought. In Daesoon Thought, human nature is defined clearly as the conscience that is honest and truthful. Also, it accepts humans' basic biological needs, the pursuit of clothing, food, and sexual desires as part of human nature. This view can be evaluated as quite similar, although not perfectly consistent, with the theory of human nature posited by Wang Fuzhi (王夫之), who defined human nature as a combination of morality and biological desires. The theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought emphasizes human morality, but at the same time, it fully accepts that biological needs are basic elements of human life. In addition, it shows a characteristic that strongly implies a religious tendency as it recognizes that human nature is internalized through divine commands issued by the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven (九天上帝 Gucheon Sangje), the transcendent and absolute ruler. The Basic Works of Daesoon Jinrihoe, which are Propagation, Edification, and Cultivation, aim to restore human nature to its innate state of honesty and truthfulness. Among the Three Major Societal Works, we can see that the works of Social Welfare and Charity Aid are implemented in accordance with the accepting acknowledgment of basic human needs (the pursuit of clothing, food, and sexual desires), and helping people meet their needs in appropriate ways and to appropriate degrees.