하곡(霞谷) 정제두(鄭齊斗)의 내관적(內觀的) 신체관과 그 의의

Abstract

There are two ways to examine our body: an external way to observe the outer appearance and an introspective way to feel inside. In particular, in the body that is internally reflected, we abstract things such as emotions and thoughts and calls it the mind. The thought of Hagok Jeong Je-doo, a scholar of the doctrines of Wang Yangming in the Joseon Dynasty, is characterized by introspective thinking of the body in relation to the mind. Therefore, his view of the body can be established from an introspective perspective. From an introspective perspective, the body and mind are consciously appeared. Hagok's theory of Li[理] and Qi[氣] was established on the basis of appearing with the mind, and emphasizes thinking that Li and Qi are not seperated. He sees the whole being conscious as Qi, and also calls the part of it that is qualitative and fully appears Qi, and calls the part of it that is essential and communicates with the divine things Li. If this theory of Li and Qi is applied to the body, the ‘qi of the shape[形氣]’ is a life as the whole qi. Such life has the essence of life and the basis of life, and they corresponds to Li and Qi, respectively. In the body, the ‘qi of blood[血氣]’ and the ‘quality of shape[形質]’ that are full and qualitative are in an integral relationship with ‘living Li[生理]’. According to Hagok, the mind as ‘Yang-ji[良知]’ is revealed and expanded in the body and practiced at an object world on the communication of the senses in the body. He is saying that although the body has ‘selfish li[自私之理]’, it is possible to develop the ‘great qi of spirit[浩然之氣]’ and achieve a honorable body by judging the truth and cultivating morally while following the dynamic living Li. In Hagok's introspective view of the body, he not only sees the body as having an inner essence, not just an outward appearance, but also explains the doctrines of Wang Yangming at the body level.