정암 조광조의 공부론

Abstract

Jung-am had critical mind, ‘how can we secure the practice of Neo-Confucianism?’and put emphasis on ‘establishment of moral subject’to secure the practice of Neo-Confucianism. He paid attention to Li[理] for goal setting in self-discipline as well as Ki[氣] in actual self-discipline. When it comes to actual self-discipline, he focused on Ki and suggested self-discipline of each Sincerity[誠] and Refrain and reverence[敬] within the context of temperament change and Jon-chen-li-al-in-yok. Giving shape into practice of Sincerity as Refrain and reverence, he proposed the importance of self-discipline of Refrain and reverence as a way to protect the peace of mind. Moreover, he suggested additional ways to put Sincerity and Refrain and reverence into practice concretely; especially, he put emphasis on Mul-mang-mul-jo-jang, Shin-dok and Yong-sim-gang. In terms of actual self-discipline, he put stress on Sohak and Geunsalok and especially, set his body and mind right in conformity with the teaching of Sohak. Also, his actual self-discipline features sitting in meditation remarkably. Many researchers evaluate him as an immature, radical and failed politician but he exercised strict self-discipline and used better discretion than anyone else. Reflecting on the meaning of ‘little power of study’as Toegye said, it implies that his self-discipline was not completed but his group of like-minded persons were not grown enough at the same time. The meaning of Jung-am’s studies is not found in politics. The endless self-reflection and practice of right behavior to realize the human nature and expand it; that is the best part of his self-cultivation theory as well as basis of his political theory. His self-cultivation theory, as the reflection of historical consciousness and practical spirit in Confucianism in Joseon Dynasty, fully supported the Confucianism in Joseon Dynasty and thus he never failed.