• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
• /
• v.32
• /
• pp.237-267
• /
• 2019

The article considers the problems of envisaging a paradise on earth, with special reference to Jehovah's Witnesses. After an explanation of their relationship to the Christian Protestant tradition, particularly Adventism and American fundamentalism, some key doctrines of the Watch Tower organisation are identified, with particular reference to their belief in a coming earthly paradise. Jehovah's Witnesses are a restorationist movement, seeking a restored paradise on earth, and endeavouring to restore authentic Christianity in what they take to be its original form. Discussion is given to the possibility of physical accommodation on the earth, the position of animals, family life, language, and technology. Finally, brief comparison is made with the expected paradise of the Daesoon Jinrihoe, which is based on a radically different worldview. It is concluded that such differences help to explain why Jehovah's Witnesses have limited success in Korea, as compared with indigenous Korean new religions such as Daesoon Jinrihoe.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
• /
• v.26
• /
• pp.183-214
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study is to promote the understanding of the objective of Daesoon Thought through 'examining the Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe.' The objective of Daesoon thought was set when Kang Jeungsan Sangje descended to human world, upon the plea of divine sages, buddhas, and bodhisattvas, and determined to save the world and relieve people far and wide. For building an Earthly Paradise with Daesoon thought, Sangje carried out the great work of Reordering of the Universe for nine years and passed into heaven. Cho Jeongsan Doju, who received the heavenly religious orthodox through divine revelation from Sangje, served the late will of Sangje and established Main Tenets, Creeds, and objective of Daesoon thought. The objective set by Doju was continued to Park Wudang Dojeon and formed the Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe. The Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe consist of three sets of objectives in sequential order, which are related in organic, mutual beneficient, and integrative with one another. The Objectives starts from individual cultivation and expand into worldly reformation: 1)one's Spiritual transformation through Guarding against self-deception 2)Renewal of human beings through Realizing Earthly Immortality 3)Opening of new world through Building of Earthly Paradise. Also, in these Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe, Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity keep close relations to enter into new world. These Objectives are based on the 'thought of mutual beneficence' and are realized with Daesoon thought, which is the Dao of 'Crowned King' that goes beyond the previous thoughts of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe have following details in each objective as following; (1) 'Guarding against self-deception-Spiritual Transformation' is for human nature. In Daesoon thought, human has the potential to restore conscience, which is true nature, and return to undefiled essence by 'guarding against self-deception'. In other words, it views that one can reach into the stage of spiritual alignment with the Dao once he recovers conscience through cultivation of Daesoonjinrihoe based on the idea of 'Guarding against self-deception'. (2) 'Realizing Earthly Immortality-Renewal of human beings' is for ideal human character. 'Realizing Earthly Immortality' in Daesoon Thought indicates the advent of ideal human beings called 'Dotong gunja'(virtuous beings who are aligned with the Dao). They are leaders who integrate politics and religion in helping people to renew themselves and make the world into Earthly Paradise. (3) 'Building an Earthly Paradise-Opening of new world' is for ideal society. Daesoon thought aims to making a peaceful world by creating an ideal society of heaven on this earth. Park Wudang Dojeon, who led Daesoonjinrihoe, emphasized the importance of Three Basic Activities: Spreading of Sangje's virtue, Edification, and Cultivation: and Three Major Activities: Aid and charity, Social welfare, and Education. Dojeon said "One should make effort to reach the utmost goodness through enlightening their bright virtue and cultivating their talent virtue." In this words, he made clear that the Objectives of Daesoonjinrihoe can be realized when people enlighten their bright virtue and cultivate themselves with their talent virtue. In conclusion, the Objectives of Daesoon thought were clarified of their meanings by Sangje, established into laws by Doju, and actualized by Dojoen in various activities of Daesoonjinrihoe.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.270-277
• /
• 2007

Buddhist temples and halls signify paradise on earth. Buddhist sutras refer to paradise as a place where flowers fall down like snow, fragrance and music fill the air, flowers blossom and butterflies fly. The Kkot Mun of Buddhist temples are an essential part of the creation of this paradise and are ornamented with elaborate sculptures of flowers and animals. The ornamentation of the Kkot Mun is truly admirable for its artistry and beauty. Although the Kkot Mun is an element of Korean traditional Buddhist architecture, it could also be applied to costume work. I thought the characteristic elements of the Kkot Mun for the costume work were the flower, the lattice and the transparent effect that was made with the lattice and Dagjongee. I used the technique of strap cutting, strap twisting and cut-out for the lattice of Kkot Mun and flower making, knitting, cut-out and quilting for the flower of Kkot Mun. I represented the transparent effect of Kkot Mun with the lapped materials. I selected six remarkable Kkot Mun of Korean temples, revised shapes of these and made six costume works. These six costume works would be the suggestion of costume design if an element of Korean traditional architecture was applied to modern costume making.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
• /
• v.37
• /
• pp.357-384
• /
• 2021

The ethics of Daesoon Jinrihoe is a system of contemporary practical morality, which contains religious features such as "One Dao" (一道), "Two Mountains" (二山, an allusion to Kang Jeungsan 姜甑山, and Jo Jeongson 趙鼎山), "Three Realms" (三界, means the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity." For the purpose of my paper, "One Dao" is the ethical principle of Daesoon as well as the Tenets: "the Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang, Harmonious Union between Divine and Human Beings, the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence, and Perfected Unification (jingyeong 眞境) with the Dao." "Two Mountains" are the Objects of belief. The Three Realms are the scopes of moral concern. In order to devote the Tenets of the ethical principle, ascetic practice in daily life has been emphasized as "Sincerity, Respectfulness, and Faithfulness" which are collectively called "Three Essential Attitudes." Meanwhile, "Quieting the Mind, Quieting the Body, Reverence for Heaven, and Cultivation (of oneself in accordance with doctrines)" are defined as the "Four Cardinal Mottoes." The ultimate belief is converted into guidelines for ethical conduct and religious rites. Through cultivation an interaction emerges between humankind and divine beings. The ethical ideal in Daesoon Jinrihoe includes personal "Perfected Unification with the Dao," nobility and cooperativity between humans and divine beings, and "the earthly paradise of the Later World." Compared to Buddhism, Christianity, and Daoism, Daesoon Jinrihoe's unique features are embodies by three aspects: the unity of mutual beneficence among the Three Realms, the cooperativity and nobility between humans and divinities, and the transcendental nature of the earthly paradise.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
• /
• 2010.06a
• /
• pp.1958-1963
• /
• 2010

Space Elevator introduced in the science fiction titled "The Fountatins of Paradise" by Arthur C. Clarke in 1979 could be attainable for the transportation of human and distribution from earth to space. Space Elevator could reduce shipping expenses and risks of the transportation system. Developing Space Elevator has to need rail technologies for the train and the rail using Carbon nanotube cable, installation of rail appropriated for Earth-orbiting. For this reason, rail technologies for developing Space Elevator will be suggested by this study through the case study.

• Journal of Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.127-151
• /
• 2021

The core tenets of Daesoon Jinrihoe in Jeungsanism are encapsulated in the teachings of Eumyang-hapdeok (陰陽合德, Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang), Shinin-johwa (神人調化, Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings), Haewon-sangsaeng (解寃相生, Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence) and Dotongjingyeong (道通眞境, Perfected Unification with Dao). Among them, the first three teachings eventually turn towards the prophetic thought of Dotong-jingyeong, which is the process of man becoming a divine figure. While these principles are considered crucial advice for overcoming an unstable life, there are many curious questions that help for better comprehension. What is the reality of Jin-gyeong (眞境) for their followers? How can one reach the ultimate stage under this belief system? Is this ideological concept different from similar perspectives of other major religions? How is this concept related to the idea of Jisang-cheonguk (地上天國, earthly paradise)? This paper analyses these issues of Jin-gyeong from the historical and social narratives of Haengnok (行錄, Acts), Gongsa (公事, Reordering Works), Gyoun (敎運, Progress of the Order), Gyobeop (敎法, Dharma), Gwonji (權智, Authority and Foreknowledge) and Yesi (豫示, Prophetic Elucidations) in The canonical scripture of Jeon-gyeong and also from the ontological approaches of East Asian faiths in order to identify alternative notions of Daesoon cosmology. The paper, based on the sayings of Kang Jeungsan, particularly his philosophy of the Later World, argues the insight that the Jin-gyeong world can be interpreted as created through the Cheonji-gongsa (天地公事, Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth) project in terms of Gaebyeok (開闢, Great Opening) and the earthly paradise as open only for those who achieve the condition of Sin-ingan (新人間, literally means 'new humans' but symbolizing 'being a human-god') by the personal cultivation of Dotong (道通, the unity with Dao).

• Journal of Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.61-87
• /
• 2022

This article compares the concepts of divine incarnation as expounded in Daesoon Thought and in Christianity and questions the essence of the divinity in both traditions. In Daesoon Thought, The Supreme God, Sangje, saw major disorganization leading to extreme violence and doom and decided to incarnate on earth under the human form of Kang Jeungsan (1871-1909). Then the living God taught the solution to human suffering through the revelations he sent in 1917 to Jo Cheol-Je, or Jo Jeongsan (1895-1958) and the revelations were passed on to Dojeon Park Wudang who in 1969 founded Daesoon Thought. In Christianity, God incarnated in his son, Jesus Christ, who allowed for the radical transformation of the condition of man through his physical sacrifice. Daesoon differs in that Sangje did not offer himself as sacrifice when he came on earth but reorganized the world and taught how to apply benevolence to establish the Earthly Paradise. The affirmation that Daesoon Jinrihoe is both monotheistic and polytheistic is then analyzed. If the concept of monotheism seems to differ vastly between the two traditions, it appears that biblical monotheism is itself relatively young in the history of world religions so that Christianity has ancient roots germane to those of Daesoon Jinrihoe. The article concludes on the originality of this religion: though it is built on Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, it has transformed their vision of the deity and of its message in a most convincing manner.

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

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.33
• /
• pp.182-208
• /
• 2000

Kwan-gyongdo is a pictorial presentation of a $s{\bar{u}}tra$ that teaches the Buddhist way for a person to be reincarnated in the paradise of $Amit{\bar{a}}bha$ Buddha. It consists of a preface (Kwan-gyong sobun pyonsangdo) and 16 scenes of $S{\bar{a}}kyamuni$ preaching. The preface, a painting illustrating the motivation behind the production of tile kwan-gyongdo, illustrates the "Legend of King $Aj{\bar{a}}tasatru$", a tragic story in which the prince of India's Magadha kingdom murders his father, the king, to usurp the throne. The 16 subsequent scenes show $S{\bar{a}}kyamuni$ teaching the distressed queen how a person can be reborn in paradise through meditation and praying. In the kwan-gyongdo in the Mogao Cave No. 17 in Dunhuang, China, painted during the Tang dynasty (618-907), the preface and the 16 scenes are presented in one painting, whereas they are presented in two paintings in those painted in Korea during the Koryo period (918-1392). The difference is attributed to the stylistic disparity of the two periods. Despite the temporal gap between the Koryo paintings and the Mogao Cave paintings, a comparison of the two can show the characteristic development of kwan-gyongdo. Kwan-gyongdo of the Koryo period do not have the "enmity created in the previous life" scene featuring a heavenly figure and a hare, a result that shows the influence of the Tang school that deleted the scene. The scene of $S{\bar{a}}kyamuni$ preaching on the Mountain of Spirit is included in kwan-gyongdo of both the Koryo period and the Mogao Cave, but the scene of $S{\bar{a}}kyamuni$ emerging from the earth to the Magadha palace is not included in Koryo kwan-gyongdo. Kwan-gyongdo of Koryo are generally a simpler but more faithful rendering of the $s{\bar{u}}tra$.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
• /
• v.16
• /
• pp.25-43
• /
• 2003

Daesoonjinlihoe and Buddhism have found the cause of grudge and agony in the human mind. Fundamentally human being suffers grudge and agony which man in it self makes unless he acquire what he wants. So if human being recognizes the cause of that, the cause would disappear. And there are certainly needed regulation of 'dosu' in Daesoonjinlihoe. That implies the limitation of human effort. The worlds of heaven, earth, human being have to stand up in the same time, and there would appear paradise. In that case human being and the world of divinities are able to be relieved. Compared to that, Buddhism does not admit other Power without human effort and cultivation on oneself. Epistemological awakening of the 'solution of grudge(haewon)' and mokṣa accompany the 'saving each other(sangsaeng)' and maitrī·karuṇā. 'Haewon' and 'sangsaeng' have causal relation, further more epistemological awakening of 'haewon' and practical virtue of 'sangsaeng' would not be detached.