• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.42
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• pp.1-44
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• 2022

This study aims to determine the significance of the devotional offerings held in Daesoon Jinrihoe Temple Complexes (道場 dojang) and to interpret their identity. Firstly, the existing research insists that the significance of these rituals implies that offerings held by Daesoon Jinrihoe embody the order's religious purpose. However, this paper argues that the purpose of devotional offerings is not limited thereto. The reason is that the primary sources of Daesoon Jinrihoe defines the devotional offerings as practiced for purposes of worship, celebration, commemoration, the expression of gratitude, the dissemination of information, and to humbly beg pardon from divine beings. Additionally, the offerings are meant to express the solid faith of devotees. Considering the various purposes of practicing devotional offerings, rather than mostly being about prayer to divine beings, the meaning of the offerings could be better understood as forms of communication and exchange of unique ideas and intentions. Secondly, in the light of Korea's history of rituals, the devotional offerings of Daesoon Jinrihoe obviously differ from the rituals of Confucianism or the ritual for Heaven and Earth (圜丘祭 hwanguje). Indeed, the rituals of Daesoon Jinrihoe are rather alien to both of the aforementioned rituals. Accordingly, the identity of the devotional offerings in Daesoon Jinrihoe do neither succeed to the religious and cultural tradition of Korea nor transform it. It is rather the case that Daesoon Jinrihoe's devotional offerings should be identified as having been newly invented. In this regard, the devotional offerings of Daesoon Jinrihoe should be understood as an invented tradition that began in modern times. In other words, they are 'invented rituals to Heaven.'

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.23
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• pp.385-429
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• 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.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.22
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• pp.433-469
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• 2014

Identifying the ontological characteristics of "ultimate reality" is highly important in a specific religion or thought because it is believed to contain the logic that explain the wholistic phenomenon in the entire universe. The "ultimate reality" is called "Lee(理)", "Dao(道)", "Taegeuk; the Great Ultimate(太極)", "Mugeuk; NonUltimate(無極)", "Gong(空)", "Haven", "SangJe(上帝)", "God" in many different religions or thoughts. Taegeuk(太極), Mugeuk(無極) and Daesoon(大巡) are believed to contain the logic that explain the wholistic phenomenon in the entire universe in Daesoon Thoughts which we can see in the GooCheon SangJe(九天上帝)'s saying that "Even if the logic is so high, it comes from the surface of Taegeuk and Mugeuk and cannot be separated from every phenomenon in our life(理雖高出於太極无極之表 不離乎日用事物之間)" and Doju(道主) Cho, Jeong San's saying that "The reasion that Dao is called Dao is that it is settled to be Mugeuk and moved to be Taegeuk(道之謂道也者定而无極 動而太極)" and Dojeon(都典) Park Wu-dang's saying that "Daesoon(大巡) is circle(圓), circle is Mugeuk(無極), Mugeuk is Taegeuk(太極)". Mugeuk contains the logic of transcendence and Taegeuk contains the logic of immanance. And Nae-confucianism admit the Ultimate Reality or logic have both characteries of Mugeuk and Taegeuk and don't admit that Taegeuk comes from Mugeuk. Therefore, Mugeuk and Taegeuk are in complementary relations. These Nae-confucianism's idea about Mugeuk and Taegeuk corresponds with Deasoon Thought. Daesoon Thoughts also admit that Ultimate Reality, GooCheon SangJe can be understood with both Mugeuk and Taegeuk. That is, GooCheon SangJe, the Suprime God is transcendent from this world(Mugeuk) and also manage the whole universe using the logic of Taegeuk(太極). Daesoon(大巡) unite Mugeuk and Taegeuk using the concept of circulation. The logic of Mugeuk and Taegeuk is both two as well as one, and one as well as two. It is not dualism nor monism. It is non-dualism and super-dualism. These logic of coexistence is the core of Mugeuk and Taegeuk. And this logic is reflexed in Daesoon Thoughts' core proposition that "Daesoon(大巡) is circle (圓), circle is Mugeuk(無極), Mugeuk is Taegeuk(太極)".

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.35
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• pp.217-253
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• 2020

This study analyzes the principles of the 'Earthly Paradise' (仙境, the realm of immortals), 'Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang' (陰陽合德), and the 'Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth' (天地公事) while combining them with Joseon art. Therefore, this study aims to discover the context wherein the concept of Taiji in 'Daesoon Truth,' deeply penetrates into Joseon art. Doing so reveals how 'Daesoon Thought' is embedded in the lives and customs of the Korean people. In addition, this study follows a review of the sentiments and intellectual traditions of the Korean people based on 'Daesoon Thought' and creative works. Moreover, 'Daesoon Thought' brings all of this to the forefront in academics and art at the cosmological level. The purpose of this research is to vividly reveal the core of 'Daesoon Thought' as a visual image. Through this, the combination of 'Daesoon Thought' and Joseon art will secure both data and reality at the same time. As part of this, this study deals with the world of 'Daesoon Thought' as a cosmological Taiji principle. This concept is revealed in Joseon art, which is analyzed and examined from the viewpoint of art philosophy. First, as a way to make use of 'Daesoon Thought,' 'Daesoon Truth' was developed and directly applied to Joseon art. In this way, reflections on Korean life within 'Daesoon Thought' can be revealed. In this regard, the selection of Joseon art used in this study highlights creative works that have been deeply ingrained into people's lives. For example, as 'Daesoon Thought' appears to focus on the genre painting, folk painting, and landscape painting of the Joseon Dynasty, attention is given to verifying these cases. This study analyzes 'Daesoon Thought,' which borrows from Joseon art, from the perspective of art philosophy. Accordingly, attempts are made to find examples of the 'Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang' and Tai-Ji in Joseon art which became a basis by which 'Daesoon Thought' was communicated to people. In addition, appreciating 'Daesoon Thought' in Joseon art is an opportunity to vividly examine not only the Joseon art style but also the life, consciousness, and mental world of the Korean people. As part of this, Chapter 2 made several findings related to the formation of 'Daesoon Thought.' In Chapter 3, the structures of the ideas of 'Earthly Paradise' and 'Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang' were likewise found to have support. And 'The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth' and Tai-Ji were found in depictions of metaphysical laws. To this end, the laws of 'The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth' and the structure of Tai-Ji were combined. In chapter 4, we analyzed the 'Daesoon Thought' in the life and work of the Korean people at the level of the convergence of 'Daeesoon Thought' and Joseon art. The analysis of works provides a glimpse into the precise identity of 'Daesoon Thought' as observable in Joseon art, as doing so is useful for generating empirical data. For example, works such as Tai-Jido, Ssanggeum Daemu, Jusachaebujeokdo, Hwajogi Myeonghwabundo, and Gyeongdodo are objects that inspired descriptions of 'Earthly Paradise', 'Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang,' and 'The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth.' As a result, Tai-Ji which appears in 'Daesoon Thought', proved the status of people in Joseon art. Given all of these statements, the Tai-Ji idea pursued by Daesoon Thought is a providence that follows change as all things are mutually created. In other words, it was derived that Tai-Ji ideology sits profoundly in the lives of the Korean people and responds mutually to the providence that converges with 'Mutual Beneficence.'

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.31
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• pp.93-129
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• 2018

These days, the world finds itself in a time when 21st century human and societal practices can benefit from alternative viable models; as such models are desperately needed. Daesoon Jinrihoe seeks to show one model inspired by the historical kings, Yao and Shun. In Daesoon Jinrihoe, King Yao and King Shun (堯舜 yo sun) are recollected and projected into modern times. This paper is a study that examines what aspects of Daesoon Thought go into understanding Kings Yao and Shun and what insights their example can provide for modern people today. In Daesoon Thought, the 'Dao of Kings Yao and Shun' has appeared again because the 'Era of the Great Opening (開闢時代 gaebyeok shidae)' has arrived, and this era is characterized by 'Seeking Out the Beginning and Returning to the Original Root (原始返本 wonshi banbon).' This is not simply a return to ancient times. The seeds that fall on the ground grow up to overcome winds and rains, bring forth new fruits in the autumn, and their fruits contain the original seeds. The seeds are simultaneously the original seeds, but not the seeds themselves. Rather, they are complete bodies condensed and infused with abundant experience gained after multitudinous trials. In Daesoon Thought, Kings Yao and Shun are analyzed from the following four perspectives: first, as an ideal human image that combines the qualities of Sages and Heroes (聖雄 seong oong), second, as the historical background behind the truth of the 'Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence (解冤相生),' third, as an ancient model of the ideal world, and fourth, as Daesoon Jinrihoe's 'Mind Dharma (心法)' and also as the classical basis for the 'Cultivation of Dao (修道).' However, the meaning of Kings Yao and Shun in Daesoon Thought is not limited to traditional philosophical thought but also contains certain crucial differences. In Daesoon Thought, the qualities of sages and heroes are combined in a way that does not compromise or penalize, but in accordance with the rule of law and beyond, the ideal world is understood as a world in which there are no natural disasters and everyone enjoys beauty and splendor. Mind Dharma means the spiritual cultivation of the 'Dao of Mutual Beneficence' as presented by Sangje (上帝 the Supreme God) through sincerity, respectfulness, and faithfulness (誠敬信 seong, gyeong, shin). In addition, through the core truth of Daesoon Thought, the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence, the resolution of the grudges associated with Kings Yao and Shun will likewise eliminate the root-grudge plaguing humanity and divine beings. In this paper, I intend to deepen my understanding of Daesoon Thought through a study on our theology's understanding of Kings Yao and Shun, and I also wish to redefine the value of Daesoon Thought through the symbolization and reinterpretation of ancient historical figures.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.45
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• pp.103-151
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• 2023

This study aims to examine the International Development Cooperations (IDCs) of Daesoon Jinrihoe and discuss the future prospects of these programs in terms of Daesoon Thought. The international community calls for the active participation of various donors, and this is not limited to only traditional donors such as governments, public institutions, and multilateral organizations. In this regard, the role of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for religious communities is recognized as important. Daesoon Jinrihoe has systematized its IDCs by expanding its overseas services to implement the three major works with the official establishment of the Daejin International Volunteers Association (DIVA) in 2013. In addition to these activities, Daesoon Jinrihoe was selected by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in 2022. As a new religion, Daesoon Jinrihoe does not provide as much support via FBOs when compared to other traditional religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Catholicism, etc.), but it is able to conduct strategic IDCs by utilizing its expertise and capabilities (education, healthcare, etc.). In fact, the nature and content of the projects carried out by these FBOs and Daesoon Jinrihoe are similar, and the results have been remarkable considering that these programs are still in their infancy. Above all, Daesoon Jinrihoe's foreign aid is more meaningful because it does not have a religious purpose such as missionary work, and it is funded by donations from believers. In carrying out IDCs, it is necessary to promote the professionalism of IDCs based on the strategic linkage of the three major works (charity aid, social welfare, and education). It is also necessary to recognize the value and spirit of IDCs for peace and coexistence based on mutual beneficence.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.23
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• pp.345-383
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• 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.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.17
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• pp.93-112
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• 2004

This article examines the process of how Daesoon thought keeps its own identity while being practiced as a religion in Korean culture through the perspective of theological hermeneutics of E. Schillebeeckx, a representative theologian in 20th century, especially on the centering of the matter of experience. Schillebeeckx says that an experience is an occurrence of perception by encountering something different from oneself. According to him, 1) the occurrence of perception is premised on a framework or form of interpretation which prescribes experience as the experience in the perceptive dimension. 2) A framework of interpretation is subject to pre-existing system or structure which already has formed a basis to the experience. It consists of various interpretative elements such as social form, general knowledges, various experiences, theoretical models in their society, etc.. 3) The experiences take place in the reflection of contemporary situation, and it is understood by a society, thus making it a social stream. This experience is expressed historically, gains historicity in the process of being handed down from person to person, from generation to generation. In this way, an experience starts to form a tradition. 4) The tradition is a historical stream which gives rise to, admits, and integrates various experiences, religious revelation, and faith etc. In this way, the tradition as a historical stream becomes a field of religious actuality such as revelation, salvation, etc. Conclusively, a religion takes place, is formed, only when it is understood anew by the people who live in that cultural tradition through their languages. The ground Daesoon thought takes place, is formed, is in this way. Daesoon thought takes place in the core of traditional Korean culture, undergoes changes when it encounters the other stream of traditional Korean culture, and the vice versa. Because of this inevitable change, ironically enough, Daesoon thought can maintain its own identity as Daesoon thought, and Korean culture its own identity as Korean culture, avoiding falling into the tertiary which is neither Daesoon thought nor Korean culture. It is in this way that any religion can be in the faithfulness to its starting point to be enriched and transformed in its interaction with the other tradition. At here is the reason Daesoon thought has to have an openness to the changing world.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.13
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• pp.39-57
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• 2001

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.13
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• pp.391-428
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• 2001