The purpose of this study is to examine Confucius's the true image of gentleman to be a suave person in rapidly changing modern society, by considering Confucianism as a valuable concept of traditional society in Korea.
Accordingly I analyzed both G...
The purpose of this study is to examine Confucius's the true image of gentleman to be a suave person in rapidly changing modern society, by considering Confucianism as a valuable concept of traditional society in Korea.
Accordingly I analyzed both Geon(乾) and Gon(坤) from the Book of Changes(周易), Daesang-jeon(大象傳) and Sosang-jeon(小象傳) of both trigrams, and the image of gentleman from Muneon-jeon(文言傳) by examining in regular serious six stages of the growing course for human life.
The trigram of Geon(太揚) from the Book of Changes means the typical nature of the sun light in general; as it were, it is compared with male temperament and such positions like a monarchy, a father, and a master. Especially, the trigram of Geon presents the true image of gentleman with a status of a political monarchy.
According to Confucius, 'what the monarchy reflects on himself by training his body and mind is to provide the useful living grounds to the nation'. Although a man of honor falls into the turbulent times, he must pursue a progressive attitude without restlessness of mind and illegal connection by practicing the art of living based on Confucianism.
In the trigram of Geon, the several steps based on the man's course of life are presented as the process for the realization of his goal.
Such rules of life are as follows.
Firstly, the times for retirement.
Secondly, the times for appearance.
Thirdly, the times for self-reflection by working diligently day and night.
Fourthly, the times for display of his ability by governing well in virtue.
Fifthly, the times for founding of countermeasure to retire from the perfect status.
In the divination of Gon(土), virtue is premised on obedience to the sun; as it were, such conditions are the obedience and gentleness of the earth to the sun, woman's patience and virtuousness to man, and retainer's obedience as an assistant to monarchy.
According to Confucius, 'As a big disaster is originated in a trifling matter, a man of honor must take the accumulation of benevolence to heart in the starting step', 'a man of honor must righteously act with respectfulness at all times', 'a man of honor must attribute the success of achievements to a higher officer by assisting faithfully a higher officer', 'If a man of honor falls into a political difficulties, the man must retire from active life', 'although external enterprise grows up, a man of honor must take the golden mean by practicing noble attribute', 'a man of honor must be revert to an honest man to keep existence' in the establishment of gentleman's image for retainer.