• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.38
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• pp.97-128
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• 2013

Originally confucianism is closer to communitarianism than to individualism. The ideal of confucianism is to realize ethical community. Chu Hsi's theory of the Song dynasty reestablishes the ideal of ethical community and dignitaries(士大夫) take the job to realize it as their own vocation. There are many developed 'family clans and kinsfolk societies', 'local covenants and sacred storehouses' and 'private academies' in the Chosun dynasty as in the Song dynasty. These communities are three kinds of axial confucian community, which are both natural ascriptive groups and voluntary contract groups in nature. Communities of Chosun dynasty are to strengthen the solidarity through friendship and mutual help as well as to cultivate good customs in society. Also these traditional communities are managed by democratic procedures, as these are originally voluntary contract groups. On the other hand, traditional neo-confucian self-training theories like that individual personality should be harmony with general order, or one should pursuit his private interest according to fair principles are the process of sublimation private individual into public citizen.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.34
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• pp.49-74
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• 2020

Daesoon Thought (大巡思想) emerged from indigenous Korean religion during the Joseon Dynasty. Thinkers within this tradition took Kang Jeungsan (姜甑山 secular name Kang Il-Sun 姜一淳 1871~1909) as their Highest God (上帝) and The Canonical Scripture (典經) as their main scripture. The Tenets, Four Cardinal Mottoes, Three Essential Attitudes, and Aims of Daesoon Thought are related to the concepts, categorical thought, and structure found in Confucianism. In particular, terms such as The Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang (陰陽合德), gods and humans^* (神人 ^*also 'divine humans' in some contexts), Dao Governance (道統), Quieting the Mind and Quieting the Body (安心安身), and Sincerity, Respectfulness, and Faithfulness (誠敬信) are all widely used in Confucianism. This paper will examine Daesoon Thought from the perspective of the Confucian Thinker, Yulgok (栗谷), and more specifically, his Theory of Reason and Energy (理氣論) and its key concepts: The Wondrousness of Reason and Energy (理氣之妙), Triggered Energy Transports Reason (氣發理乘), and Reason Pervades and Energy Delimits (理通氣局). It will be shown that Daesoon Thought shares essentially the same thinking and reasoning, and as such, the two systems are organically connected. Furthermore, both schools of thought pursue harmonious adjustment and emphasize practice. Although this study may contain suggestions which seem far-fetched when compared to previous studies, it investigates Daesoon Thought from the perspective of Neo-Confucian discourse on Nature and Principle (性理), which had great value in the mainstream culture of Korea's Joseon Dynasty. Given that Daesoon Thought and Neo-Confucianism both are forms of traditional thought, there is bound to be some connection between them.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.20
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• pp.169-191
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• 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.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.24_2
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• pp.231-270
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• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.32
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• pp.185-213
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• 2011

This thesis is studing Kim Chi-in's Life and Confucianism-Buddhism-Taoism-Unity of Namhak lind on Jinan in Junbuk. He combined thought of Confucianism-Buddhism-Taoism and drawed up religious doctrine, after spotting internal and external troubles of nation. Kim Chi-in was influenced by Lee Un-gyu's thought of Confucianism-Buddhism-Taoism-Unity. He spoke with emphasis of Tao in doctrine through religious experience. The root of Tao originates in heaven. Although Tao was divided according to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism for the human's aspect of thought, it is ultimately the one. In time on explaining the one, he invoked 'eum(陰)', 'yang(陽)', 'che(體)'와 'yong(用)' as concepts of Neo-Confucianism. This ididn't incline to one side of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. While he spoke with emphasis on Confucianism's ethics of 'yang' and 'yong' with Buddhism and Taoism's divine of 'eum' and 'che' as the center, he want to find pivot of thought. He especially seeked Younggamu(詠歌舞) of sing and dancing on training mind and body. This was that he let the people and scholars in retirement demand realization of Tao and aim at real virtue. The study of Kim Chi-in's thought and religion of Confucianism-Buddhism-Taoism-Unity will be an opportunity look around his identity for the traditional native thought and universality.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.145-154
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• 2004

Zhang-nan(樟南) did not regarded the human's life phenomena as a simple physical change in his medical theory. He thought medicine in the light of the establishment of moralism and partly used it for the practical Confucianism as well. In view of the Chijunghwa(致中和), Zhang-nan(樟南) succeeded the tradition of the Simseongnon(心性論, Emotional naturalism) in Neo-Confucianism(性理學) in the point of essential and principal Junghwa(中和). Therefore, Zhang-nan(樟南)'s medical theory is very suggestive not only in Medicine but also in Liberal art which pursue the moral Seongmyeong(性命).

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.30
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• pp.59-86
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• 2010

This paper tries to study theoretical transformation about modernity by analyzing changes of the concepts of Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知). Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知) was the main concept to explain the thought of Neo-Confucianism(性理學). But in the Modern era Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知) was understood as the meaning of Science. In Neo-Confucianism(性理學) Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知) was closely related to the side of human duty and the moral value judgement. But in the modern meaning Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知: Science) was focused to scientific study of the objective matter. So the Science on Gaining Knowledge of the Study of Things(格物致知學) effect to breakup the thinking of Neo-Confucianism(性理學).

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.59
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• pp.39-63
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• 2018

Kiho Academic in the late Joseon Korea, the negative effect of the Horak debate is amplified and the division within the academic is accelerated. However, the scholars of the Kiho Academic field put forth efforts to unify the academics with the same sense of responsibility to end the schism. Nevertheless, the scholars of the Kiho Academic have shown various differences in the process of accepting Neo-Confucianism, which creates new schools. Therefore, Kiho Academic in the late Joseon Korea coexisted with various schools with different academy positions. Some of the representative groups are Hwaseo, Nosa, Ganjae, Yeonjae, and Uuidang Schools. In addition, through the scholarly differentiation and the school division of the Kiho Academic, the debate on the mind that characterizes Neo-Confucianism of the late Joseon Korea has developed. However, there was a common value that everyone pursued in the middle of the debate: the construction of a moral ideal society, the ultimate goal of Neo-Confucianism. In conclusion, though the purpose they pursued was not fulfilled, it can be seen from the debate on the mind that they fiercely demanded that these requests were urgent in the late Joseon Korea This paper, therefore, the situation of the Kiho academic in the late of Joseon Korea, the problem consciousness of the scholars of the Kiho academic, and the issue and development of debate on the mind.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2004

1. Objectives Theory of Iinsim Tosim(the Human - Mind and the Moral - Mind) that originated from "Sang-Seo(尙書)" "Dae-Woo-Mo(大禹謨)" is a relative importance point of dispute at the existing confucianism and chosun's neo confucianism. Our consideration point is that a close examination of relation between Iinsim-Tosim theory of existing confucianism's and Lee Je-ma's thought of Iinsim Tosim and his creative exposition that is related to view of human being contained theory of sasang(四象), knowledge & conduction(Jihang, 知行). 2. Methods of Research We analyze "Gyukchigo(格致藁)" that is contained confucianism's contents and Lee Je-ma's view point of human being, and consult " Dongyi Suse Bowon chobongeun(東醫壽世保元草本卷)", "Dongyi Suse Bowon(東醫壽世保元)", reference about confucianism and some other thesis. 3. Results (1) Lee Je-ma's thought of Iinsim Tosim is closely connected each other. There is close correlation between Iinsim and Tosim such as both ends. And Iinsim Tosim is not virtue and vice relation but all good concept, though each have fragility, Iinsim have weakness of laziness and Tosim have that of desire. (2) Lee Je-ma insist on having lisim(理心)-kyungsim(敬心) for overcoming each fragility that weakness of laziness and desire. And he present learning(學) and speculation(思) for acquirement of lisim(理心) kyungsim(敬心). (3) Lee Je-ma's thought of Iinsim Tosim's containing meaning is not one side but both side for nature(性) & emotion(情). therefore Iinsim Tosim is closely connected Lee Je-ma's view of human being and theory of knowledge & conduction(Ji-Hang, 知行論). That is very different from existing confucianism & MyungSunlock(Book of Illuminating Goodnes)'s thought. (4) Iinsim is connected with knowledge(知), Tosim is connected with conduction(行) (5) Lee Je-ma's thought of Affairs - Mind - Body - Objects(事心身物) is closely connected with Iinsim-Tosim. 4. Conclusions There are no parts that directly criticized by LEE JE-MA, comparing with he's thought and the existing confucianism's theory of Iinsim Tosim, a specific person's theory. but LEE JE-MA approached the theory of Iinsim Tosim with thought that is not an extension of existing confucianism's thought, but original with himself, therefore LEE JE-MA's thought of Iinsim Tosim is closely connected with the most important conceptions (theory of nature & emotion, theory of knowledge & conduction) at the Sasang Constitutional Medicine. and Iinsim Tosim is an important clue for understanding the thought of LEE JE-MA.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.35
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• pp.165-188
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the historical consciousness and view of the three religions (Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism) of Won Cheon Seok who lived a period of historical transition from the end of the Goryeo Dynasty to the early Joseon Dynasty. Actively speaking for the public in his time and having the same attitude as the Neo-Confucian scholars in the end of Goryeo Dynasty, he kept criticizing the abuse of the power by powerful families who made the people fall into a state of distress and misery. He believed the dispatch of troops to conquer the Yodong region as a great opportunity to boost the valiant spirit of his country; however, the reality was quite opposite to his expectation as Lee Seong Gye had withdrawn the army troops at the Wihwado causing a great risk to his country. He took a very hard line stance against what Lee Seong Gye did. Although he was a Confucian scholar, he did not ignore Buddhism and Taoism and understood that after all the three religions were based on the same principle. His deep understanding of Buddhism and Taoism as well as Confucianism helped him to make sense of Confucianism even further. He was able to sublimate the worldly anguish coming from the Confucian thinking system by indulging himself deeply into the world view of Buddhism and Taoism. In the end, his view on the three religions was based on the idea that they taught the same principle. His view of the three religions with transactional features has a huge implication for the contemporary society in which various values and multiple cultures coexist and have more common grounds.