The purpose of this study is to examine the formation and structure of the Monthly Ordinances system presented in Gungtongbogam and to clarify its philosophical significance. To this end, the study reviews the formation and development of the philosop...
The purpose of this study is to examine the formation and structure of the Monthly Ordinances system presented in Gungtongbogam and to clarify its philosophical significance. To this end, the study reviews the formation and development of the philosophy of Wolryeong in the Guanzi and the Shier Ji chapter of the Lüshi Chunqiu Based on this examination, it analyzes the Wolryeong system and the structure of the theory of Johu in Gungtongbogam. It also examines the Huiyong of the Ten Heavenly Stems according to the Wolryeong and the correlational structure of the Five Elements, thereby investigating the philosophical characteristics and contemporary implications of Gungtongbogam. The philosophy of Wolryeong presented in the Guanzi and the Lüshi Chunqiu was formed on the basis of the idea of the correspondence between Heaven and humanity, aiming to harmonize human life and social order in accordance with seasonal changes in nature. It developed into a practical philosophy that pursued a way of life consistent with the cyclical order of nature. This philosophy of Wolryeong was inherited in Gungtongbogam as a Myeongri interpretative system, providing the theoretical foundation for relating changes in nature to human destiny. Gungtongbogam interprets the characteristics of the Ten Heavenly Stems and the energies of the Five Elements according to the seasonal conditions of cold, heat, dryness, and humidity, centering on the Wolryeong. On this basis, it systematizes the principles of the theory of Johu and Huiyong. In particular, the theory of Johu seeks balance and harmony among seasonal energies, while the correlational structure of the Five Elements functions as an interpretative framework that organically connects changes in nature with human destiny. Furthermore, unlike other classical works of Myeongri, Gungtongbogam adopts the Wolryeong as the central principle of interpretation and incorporates the ideas of Feng Shui, hidden virtue, and the correspondence between Heaven and humanity, thereby establishing a distinctive philosophical system for understanding human life within the order of nature. The Wolryeong system in Gungtongbogam goes beyond being merely a method of Four Pillars interpretation or a criterion for interpreting human destiny. Rather, it embodies a philosophical perspective that applies the cyclical order of nature to human life and pursues harmony between humanity and nature. In this respect, Gungtongbogam reflects the East Asian philosophical worldview that understands humans and nature as mutually interconnected, and it possesses significant philosophical value for reexamining the relationship between humanity and nature.