‘몸’에 대한 實學的 易學의 해석？李元龜의 <身字訣>과 乾坤陰陽論을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper concerns on the meaning of the 'body' in Confucianism based on Yi, Won Gu's Yin-yang theory in late Chosun dynasty Practical Learning. I made the Practical Learning and the 'body' main themes of this paper because they are close to essential of Confucianism that emphasizes importance of our daily lives. While Neo-Confucianism emphasizes theoretical concepts, the Practical Learning gives much weight on the world of concrete lives, therefore makes a close relationship with the concept of 'body'. The concepts of body, Practical Learning and the theory of I-qing(易學) are closely engaged in his thoughts. He developed new I-qing theory focused on qi (器) and kun(坤), which is different from traditional Neo-Confucian I-qing based on dao (道 ) and qian(乾). I named his I-qing theory as Practical I-qing theory in this thesis. From the perspective of creation, qian can be regarded as energy (氣化) and kun as formation(形化), therefore kun is a 'body' with an actual form. In this case, the body of kun is the one which accepts qian and makes itself accomplished. Yi, Wongu embossed the importance of kun as a consummator of life through the correlative thinking of Yinyang. He also suggests that the completion of qi (器) is dao (道). In his thesis, <身字訣>, he saw a 'body' is the place where I can communicate with others. He also suggested a theory of xing (形), which maintains one is able to see both li (理) and qi (氣) only through xing (形). This leads to the development of complete fulfillment of body (踐形). His theory of the 'body' mentions on the completion of a 'body'(形色) which becomes one with heavenly nature (天性). It also denotes that learning which is below(下學) is truly the learning of the Sage. It pursues to become one with others through bodily practice, therefore, it aims at ideal of 'learning what is below and comprehending what is above' corresponding with his kun-centered I-qing scheme.