This study considered on Seogye Park Se-dang`s open view of learning in the late 17th century. Park Se-dang strived to see the substance of the sacred book with taking one step back from looking at Saseosamgyeong(Four Books and Three Classics), which ...
This study considered on Seogye Park Se-dang`s open view of learning in the late 17th century. Park Se-dang strived to see the substance of the sacred book with taking one step back from looking at Saseosamgyeong(Four Books and Three Classics), which is seen by the existing Confucianists, in the lofty level, understood authenticity in Lao-tzu and Zhuang zi, and made an effort to see its solution after returning to Early Buddhism as for Buddhism, which had been regarded as heresy. In Joseon society of the 17th century when academic openness had been lacked, it was very difficult situation to accept Park Se-dang`s assertion of progressive critical spirit and diverse studies. Park Se-dang`s writing of 『Sabyeonrok(思辨錄)』 originated from accepting diverse studies, which aimed to practice and follow saints` teaching. The principle of forming the basis of a Confucian classic is one, but derived from the academic attitude of recognizing diversity, which aimed to practice and follow saints` teaching as one of ten million methods, which watch for reaching it. The objective of writing 『Sabyeonrok』 was to grasp the wrong significance of the sacred book and to straighten the main object in epigram, which was distorted or much expanded. Park Se-dang`s research on Nojang(老莊) is based on right understanding about the sacred book. Even expression of literature reveals the image of Nojang without adjustment in many parts based on its understanding. Park Se-dang`s early 50s was the time of entirely exploring the essence of Lao-tzu and Zhuang zi. What a quest on its essence was begun from an effort to understand Lao-tzu and Zhuang zi without distortion is a fact that is known now by all. Furthermore, Park Se-dang`s ideological change and academically open acceptance attitude are enough to be noted through <Gosinseongok> of showing the process that the thoughts of Lao-tzu and Zhuang zi are fused into Taoism(道家思想) in the future. In <Nonhangubaebudo>, Park Se-dang discussed about which Hanyu and Guyangsu truly devoted to excluding Buddhism. In addition, even Park Se-dang himself is giving a strained meaning of their attitude of excluding from the position of regarding Buddhism as heresy. Buddhism, which is understood by Park Se-dang, seems to have difference from what the contemporary Confucianists understand. Park Se-dang failed to be completely assimilated ideologically into Buddhism, but has flexibility of taking positive attitude toward Early Buddhism. In addition, he also showed the aspect of maintaining free and continuous relationship with Buddhist monks in daily life.