• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.53
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• pp.191-214
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• 2017

Zhangshi(張?) is a distinguished Chinese scholar, who is known as the South-east Three sages with Zhuxi(朱熹) Luzujian(呂祖謙). He is well known for his influence through exchanges of ideas with Zhu xi, but the research on his ideas is rather poor. This paper aims to understand the ideology in general by looking deeper into the study of Zhangshi's self-cultivation. Contents of his self-cultivation especially emphasized the subject of the mind in the way establishing the unity of heaven and human within the theory mind based on metaphysical foundation. It would be very meaningful to study his theory of self cultivation in his ideological tendencies. this essay Based on the unity of heaven and human, especially uniting the ways of heaven and morality, this essay is approaches to the way of self-cultivation. This paper first examines the meaning of heaven and human for Zhangsi, and presents a self-cultivation method as a unified method in two categories of relationships This not only emphasizes the subject of the mind in the process of realizing the unity of heaven and human, but also to highlight the possibility of human becoming one with the heaven. This research will be an important research work in understanding Zhangshi's own philosophical system.

• 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 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.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.93-104
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• 2011

The basic framework of traditional Korean clothing construction consists of circle, square and triangle. This composition principle has been presumed to be associated with the Cheonbu concept of the Dangun era wherein nature and human being are considered united. The Cheonbu concept is represented by circle, square and triangle which constitute Cheonbuin, the images and meanings of heaven. It contains profound philosophy wherein a circle symbolizes heaven and represents number one, a square symbolizes earth and represents the number two, and a triangle symbolizes human beings and represents the number three. Circles, squares and triangles have been used as various symbolic meanings both in the east and west and constitute the framework of Hanbok construction while connoting the Cheonbu concept and symbolism of the Cosmo-tree. From this point of view, the unity of human beings and heaven in Cheonbugyeong is symbolically inherent in Hanbok. Therefore, Hanbok with the basic framework of circles, squares and triangles can be considered a positive creation that created a composition principle of body-nature-clothing.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.66
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• pp.251-276
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• 2017

This article is an attempt to identify the difference between "Oneness between Heaven and Man(天人合一)" thought proposed by Zhoudunyi(周敦?) in 'Taijirushuo(太極圖說)' and "Cheon-In-Sim-Seong-Haap-Il(A diagram about Unifying Heaven, Human, and Mind-and-Heart)(天人心性合一)" thought presented by Kwonkun(權近) in 'Ip-Hak-Do-Seol(入學圖說)'. Oneness between Heaven and Man thought, which have developed into practical ideas centered on self-cultivation theory, have a philosophical depth and logical system by Zhoudunyi(周敦?) with 'Taijirushuo(太極圖說)' in order to summarize the metaphysical cosmology and the treatise of human nature in Dynasty Song. Zhoudunyi established the concept of Wuji(無極) corresponding to Heaven(天), and suggested unified cosmology of 'Wuji(無極)-Taiji(太極)-Yin and Yang(陰 陽)-Five elements(五行)-Human(人間)-Everything(萬物)'. His cosmology is the perception that heaven, the creator of all things, is the relationship of unity, which is connected by man as the creature and the Order(命)and Nature(性). Thus, when people restores one's nature and realized that it is a mandate from Heaven, he said that heavenly unity can be realized and become a Saint(聖人). The idea of Zhoudunyi(周敦?) comes to Zhu Xi(朱熹) about 120 years later and it is concluded to be converged the Neo-Confucianism with Lichi theory. Accordingly, Zhoudunyi(周敦?) is evaluated as the master of the Neo-Confucianism to posterity. KwonKun suggested the idea of "Cheon-In-Sim-Seong-Haap-Il(A diagram about Unifying Heaven, Human, and Mind-and-Heart)(天人心性合一)" in 'Ip-Hak-Do-Seol(入學圖說)' at the end of Goryeo Dynasty. KwonKun's "Cheon-In-Sim-Seong-Haap-Il" thought is logically coherent by adding an element of the doctrines of Chu-tzu to his teacher Yi Saek's "Chun-In-Mu-Gan" and arranging that the functions of my mind and Li(理) are all together. Whereas Zhuodunyi is concerned with the creation principle of the universe and all things, KwonKun mainly cares about Heaven(天), Human(人), and Heart (心), and Nature(性) in the view of psychology. In addition, he suggested that "Cheon-In-Sim-Seong-Haap-Il" can be achieved by self-cultivation centered of Gyeong-thought(敬思想). The idea of KwonKun has become a stepping stone to the development of the doctrines of Chu-tzu based on psychology. His ideas came to Yi Hwang about 150 year later, and are integrated into four clue-seven emotion (Sadan Chiljung四端七情) thesis and Gyeong-thought(敬思想). However, unlike the Zhoudunyi, KwonKun is not properly evaluated despite his academic accomplishments.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.32
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• pp.129-158
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• 2008

After Four-Seven debate in late 16C, Korean Neo-Confucian scholars had developed their theories on human nature and morality such as Insimdosimsoel (theories on the moral emotion and desire), Inmulsoengron(theories on human nature and animal nature), Mibalsimcheron(theories on the calm mind as the embodiment of morality). Confucian scholars had been active member of society since acceptance of Neo-Confucianism. They had the plans of social reforms on the basis of moral self cultivation from the elite Confucians to commoners. So the Confucian scholar took part in the foundation of new Confucian kingdom, the Joseon Dynasty(1392). Kwon gun(1352~1409), the famous Neo-Confucian scholar wrote Iphakdosoel(pictogram for beginer of Neo-Confucianism) which emphasized the importance of moral self cultivation and that the mandate of heaven in human nature is identical with Li, the moral principle which the origin of the human intrinsic moral ability as the basis of unity with man and heaven. He thought that ethical life is identical with mandate of heaven, so he insisted all the member of society should follow Li, the moral principle which the origin of human morality and social goodness. Also he emphasized the morality was the intrinsic and most important value of human being. Therefore ethical life became essential part of self cultivation. Joeng Ji-un(1509~1561) wrote the Chunmyongdosoel (pictogram of mandate of Heaven), the start point of Four-Seven debate in mid 16C. Joeng followed Kwon's theoretical line. He emphasized the importance of moral self cultivation and the human intrinsic moral ability. He wrote that the Four moral emotions arise from Li, the moral principle of mind, while Seven emotions arise from Ki, vital force of body. He insisted that human being should control Ki, the vital force to follow the Li, the moral principle of mind. This Korean Confucian scholars developed theories of morality and self cultivation. This theories not only show the philosophical speculation of Korean Confucian scholars but also show the social idealism and moral utopianism which grounded on the human morality. So they had trust in human morality which can guide human being into the right track to the good and peaceful society. These tendencies are main characteristics of Korean Neo-Confucianism which has seen from the begining of acceptance of Neo-Confucianism. Some modern philosophical criticism which insist the Korean Neo-Confucian theories such as Four-Senven theories was indulged in academic discussion are not only neglect the historical realty but also ignore the potential of Korean Neo-Confucian heritage.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.34
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• pp.107-139
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• 2020

This paper primarily focuses on the highest deity, the Upper Thearch of the Nine Heavens (officially translated as 'The Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven'), in the Korean new religious movement (NRM) Daesoon Jinrihoe and the true minister of the myriad spirits in the Taiwanese NRM, Yiguan Dao, the Upper Thearch of Manifest Luminosity. As the two both serve as highly representative "Upper Thearch" beliefs in emerging NRMs, I attempt a comparative analysis of the source of these beliefs, their characteristics, and the links that exist between them. On the basis of ancient Chinese classics and Daoist texts, along with Daesoon Jinrihoe's scriptures and works from Yiguan Dao's Canon, I try to understand the distinguishing features of cosmological ideas from both religious movements. For example, because the Upper Thearch of the Nine Heavens could not bear to see the human realm growing ever more disordered and in order to improve worldly conditions, he traveled to the harmonized realm of deities, and therefore descended into the world to make a great itineration and enlighten the people through his teachings. In the end, he came to Korea and was reborn as Kang Jeungsan (secular name: Kang Il-Sun) in Gaekmang Village. In the Human Realm, he spread his transformative teachings to the people which were later became the doctrines of the Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang, Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings, the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence, and Perfected Unification (jingyeong 真境) with the Dao. Yiguan Dao; however, explains that the source of humanity is the "Heaven of Principle" (Litian 理天), and people are "Buddha's Children of the Original Embryo" (Yuantai Fozi 原胎佛子), created by the Upper Thearch of Manifest Luminosity, who came to world to govern and impart spiritual refinement, before returning to his native place in the Heaven of Principle. Yet, because he became infatuated with the world of mortals, he forgot the path of his return. Therefore, the Eternal Mother sent Maitreya Buddha, the Living Buddha Jigong 濟公, and the Bodhisattva of Moon Wisdom (Yuehui pusa 月慧菩薩) to descend to the human world and teach the people, so that they may acknowledge the Eternal Mother as the root of return, achieve their return to the origin, and go back to the home of the Eternal Mother in the Heaven of Principle. Both Daesoon Jinrihoe and Yiguan Dao refer to their highest deity, the true ministers of the myriad spirits, with the simple title "Upper Thearch." This phenomenon also has some ties to God in the western Biblical tradition but also has some key differences. In investigating the sources of these two deities, we find that they likely took shape during the Yinshang (殷商) period and have some relationship to the Upper Thearch of Chinese antiquity. The questions raised in this research are quite interesting and deserving of deeper comparative study.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.141
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• pp.287-311
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• 2017

The major purpose of this article is to analyze Lee Jema's idea of 'cultivating the self,' and therefore reveal a difference between his idea and 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' shown in traditional medicine and Neo-Confucianism. For this purpose, I first analyzed 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' of traditional medicine and Neo-Confucianism and showed Lee Jema's originality by studying philosophical foundations of Sasang constitutional Medicine. The idea of 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' is transcendental in that it pursues the unity between humans and the principle of natural changes or the Heaven. However, Lee Jema developed his own medical theory by analyzing an ontological structure of human beings and nature and life, and reinterpreting four beginnings on the basis of experience. He reinterpreted humans as a being in the structure of time and space, and relationships with others. In addition, he reinterpreted nature and life and four beginnings as the capability of wisdom and action and the function of mind and body. Therefore, he tried to overcome a transcendental thinking to aim for the unity of humans with the Heaven. Also, he discovered that the most important reason for disease is biased emotions (moral/private) because biased emotions influenced the function of mind and body. The causal relationship is the basis of his medical theory. Therefore, his idea of cultivating the self is focused on being careful not to make emotions biased. This reveals that even though Sasang constitutional theory came from the traditional medical theory and Confucian morality, it developed on a different philosophical foundation. In this regard, I tried to differentiate Lee Jema's idea of cultivating the self from 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' which aims for the unity between humans and the principle of changes or the Heaven.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.187-210
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• 2007

Dunong(鈍翁), Yun-Ji had born by a concubine, and his dream didn't come true for the restraint of his social position, so he tried to train younger men. His writings still remain 4 volumes of "Dunongyeonsocheonjimundap" and "Dunongdongmongmundap(鈍翁童蒙問答)", which may be called its primer. "Dunongyeonsocheonjimundap" is written in question-and-answer form between Chal-Hye-Ja(察慧子) who has a meager knowledge and Sim-Gyeong-Ong(心耕翁) who search for the truth. It is progressed from the law of nature to human's cultivation of the mind so as to reconfirm the recognition of the unity between the heaven and human beings and lead the interpretation and practice of the metaphysical proposition. It is characterized by making use of metrical compositions to induce plain tone of argument. "Dunongdongmongmundap", whereas, uses archaic writings to describe natural science including astronomy to the beginners. Dunong's scholarship is characterized by these: He explained the metaphysical propositions by approaching usual things including oriental medicine practically; He comprised the Confucian concepts intensively to examine the Oriental studies closely; He groped for the outlooks on the world of taking serious view of human being or human body. And his medical thought is characterized by these: He attached importance to the theory of viscera and bowels based on yin-yang and five phase theory; He suggested the concrete yin-yang theory with a viewpoint of qi-blood theory; He considered the concept of 'six' only as mutual rooting of yin and yang and five visceras and six vowels, and denied the traditional six qi concepts; He explained the ghost theories of the metaphysics based on the yin-yang theory to analogize points of sameness between the oriental medicine and the metaphysics; He emphasized restore yang theory. Therefore, we can say that he regarded the human body as small heaven-earth and grafted the abstract propositions into the actuals so as to put the metaphysical propositions in practice.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.32
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• pp.175-199
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• 2019

This paper aims to define Kang Jeungsan's Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth through the Hegelian concept of 'labor (arbeit),' which is the fundamental medium in which humans substantialize their own absoluteness in an existentialist context. The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth performed by Jeungsan enabled Heaven, Earth, and Humanity to communicate with each other through the harmony of Sangsaeng (Mutual Beneficence). As Hegel found the possibility of freedom and emancipation of human subjects through labor and Jeungsan exercised His will to free and emancipate human beings, comparative thinkers are led to recognize a relationship between His Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth and the Hegelian concept of labor. The key point of this paper centers around articulating the meaning of the precise situation wherein labor occurs for the Supreme Being. Labor is a concept that occurs for real-live humans. Human beings can be said to exist between the ideological world and the natural world, or between Heaven and Earth, and this dichotomy creates a specific product given the interplay of infinitude and finitude that it entails. In other words, labor is not a passive deployment but is instead a subjective development. From the point wherein this labor occurs for the Supreme Being, a paradigm shift towards unity begins throughout the universe. The occurrence of God's labor happens at a time of great transformation. These occurrences of God's labor form the communication among Heaven, Earth and Humanity and form a qualitative equality. In other words, the fact that God is far from the world of ideology and has come into the world of finitude means that God conveys His absoluteness to the world of finitude. Therefore, the work of God on Earth builds the world of Heaven on Earth. This can also be seen as the Sangsaeng of Heaven, Earth and Humanity.