This study discussed the Ye(禮) thought of Hangang Jeonggu. First of all, the life of Hangang and the origin of his thought as a Sung Confucianist were examined. In addition, the Simhak(psychology) and Suyangnon(cultivation theory) were examined and...
This study discussed the Ye(禮) thought of Hangang Jeonggu. First of all, the life of Hangang and the origin of his thought as a Sung Confucianist were examined. In addition, the Simhak(psychology) and Suyangnon(cultivation theory) were examined and then Hangang's Ye thought.
Hangang inherited the academic traditions of Deokgye, Nammyeong, and Toegye. Hangang endeavored to practice the Confucian educational ideology, the JonyangSeongchal, which maintains the human nature. Hangang has written a lot, having interest in a variety of academic fields. In particular, he was interested in Ye(禮).
The Hangang's Simhak(psychology) is based on Gyeong(敬) and Ui(義). Hangang maintained that Gyeong(敬) is the essence of mental and physical discipline, and that Jigyeong(持敬) and Chiji(致知) should be in a complementary relationship. He also emphasizes the cultivation of the mind through GyeonguiHyepji(敬義夾持). It becomes a way to realize In(仁) by avoiding self-interest and reaching the level in which the natural laws are revealed. The Simhak(psychology) of Hangang, which emphasizes the cultivation of mentality, is developed in the direction of pursuing the correct implementation of Ye(禮), providing the theoretical basis for Hangang‘s Yehak thought.
The representative Ye book of Hangang is 『OseonsaengYeseolBullyu』, which is a comprehensive classification and arrangement of the Ye theory of the Song Dynasty's five thinkers. This book helps in the inquiry and reading of various Ye. Hangang's Ye theory adopts an eclectic method, conforming to the archetype of antient Ye and pursuing practicality.
Hangang's Yehak is not unconditionally following the old Yeje, but reveals the essence and origin of Ye, and attempts to apply it correctly to the reality. In other words, it is developing into Yehak bearing the practicality such as inquiry of antient ye and its application to reality.
Hangang spread Confucian subordination through his research and practice of Yehak. At the time when Hangang was active, the high officials did not follow manners in ceremonial occasions, used popular custom, or practiced Buddhist rituals, and Hangang transformed this Ye into Sung Confucian Yeje based on 『Jujagarye』. In other words, Hangang attempted to correct non-Confucian practices based on the antient Ye.
As such, Hangang's Yehak opened a new level and horizon of Yehak in the Joseon Dynasty, and in particular, established the foundation of Yehak in the Yeongnam region and formed the academic traditions of Yehyang. In addition, Hangang contributed to the development of Korean Confucianism by integrating the Sung Confucianism, Yehak, and Gyeongse theory.
In modern society, individual actions based on free will become the ultimate criterion for moral judgment and value judgment. However, problems emerge in social bonds, common good, and social welfare as individualism and liberalism prioritize the individual rather than the whole. This leads to a break in human relations, the gap between the rich and the poor, social evil, and human alienation. These problems can be solved by realizing human-human bonds, a spirit of respect for humanity, or the common good.
Ye prioritizes the group or the whole over the individual. Ye attempts to form a society that pursues the common good while living together. Hangang identified Ye as being able to grasp the human nature in life of living together and shaping the culture of our society. He viewed Ye from moral, institutional, and normative aspects, and tried to achieve an ideal human society through their mutual relations. Ye reveals the right human nature, and plays its natural role when morality and order are in harmony and balance.