퇴계문학(退溪文學)의 지각논(知覺論) 수용(受容) 연구(硏究) = A study on Accepting a Theory of Perception in Understanding Toegye`s Literary Work

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

A main theme in Toegye`s poems is the nature with water flowing, wind blowing, and birds flying. How should we read and feel Toegye`s poems? This question should be addressed based on Toegye`s experiences of creating poems. Toegye stated that he created poems to share his experience of the naturally occurring pleasure that was derived from the nature around Dosanseodang(陶 山書堂). This indicates that the naturally occurring pleasure was perceived in Toegye`s mind, which, importantly, motivated him to create poems. Thus, Toegye`s poems should be understood from a perspective of a theory of perception. First, what is the mind? Toegye profoundly considered the mind as entirely empty and calm in a similar way that a mirror reflects things. The mind described as empty and calm is related to the structure of the mind, while the mind portrayed as reflective is related to the function of the mind. In this respect, the mind is the main agent of perceiving things. Next, what is the pleasure that naturally occurs to the mind? Toegye emphasized the importance of exploring Li(理) in study because if people perceive Li(理), they will not have any obstacles in their way. Although the pleasure may simply be derived from the beauty of things, more profoundly, it may also be Li(理) on grounds of contemplating and perceiving things the way they are. Last, how can the mind perceive Li(理) the way it is? Toegye believed that if things are attached to the mind, the mind no longer has the spirit of brightness and calmness. These things attached to the mind are worldly desires. To make the mind clear and lucid, worldly desires should be discarded. When Jing(敬) is maintained, Li(理) becomes clear and worldly desires decrease. Thus, to maintaining Jing(敬) is to perceive Li(理) the way it is. In all, in his poems Toegye expressed Li(理) that he perceived from the nature, which was the pleasure itself that naturally occurred to his mind. Essentially, Toegye`s studies concerned the way in which he perceived Li(理), and such perception of Li(理) was also expressed in his literacy work. Thus, it seems that Toegye`s studies and literature did not comprise two different areas, but centered around a single theme of perceiving Li(理).