퇴계와 율곡의 수양론 비교

Abstract

Toegye Yi Hwang and Yulgok Yi I are the rivals of the Neo-Confucianism in the Joseon Dynasty. These two scholars show a great deal of difference in the theory of self-cultivation(修養論) as well as li-ch’i theory(理氣論) and hsin-hsing theory (心性論). As they aimed at being a sage(聖人) through Seonghak (聖學), the purpose of self-cultivation is same. However, Toegye who weighed high in li (理) focused on the study of mind with special reference to the method of Ching (敬). To cultivate mind, he put emphasis on 『Simgyeong(心經)』and『Simgyeongbuju(心經附註)』very much. Toegye composed the theory of self-cultivation focusing on chü-ching out of two methods of ch’iung-li (窮理) and chü-ching (居敬). As a means of mind cultivation, he stressed the method of ‘Gubangsim (求放心: finding scattered mind)'. Compared to Toegye, Yulgok stressed the control of body as well as the study of mind too. And as a means of self-cultivation, he put emphasis on Ch’eng(誠), Gyogijil(矯氣質) and Yanggi(養氣) as well as Ching(敬). Yulgok emphasized the importance of K’o-chi fu-li(克己復禮) among various methods of self-cultivation. Yulgok considered it was important to know truth first in order to make proper practice and therefore recognized ch’iung-li(窮理) important. In the theory of self-cultivation of Yulgok, ch’iung-li had an equal significance with chü-ching. Yulgok laid more emphasis on『Hsiao-hsüeh(小學)』,『Ta-hsüeh(大學)』or『Chung-yung』(中庸)』as important texts than『Simgyeong』. It is common that they sought to be a sage through self-cultivation. However, these two scholars had difference in expressing an ultimate level. Toegye regarded the ideal status of self-cultivation as a level where T’ien-li(天理) is kept and jen-yü (人欲) is removed (存天理遏人欲)’which means‘mind and li(理) becomes one (心與理一).’Thus, he sought to realize“Jongsimsoyokbulyugu(從心所欲不踰矩: not violating the law even if one attempts with the desire of mind)” argued by Confucius. However, Yulgok sought Chijunghwa(致中和) that completely realizes Junghwa(中和) as an ideal level. And, as for Yulgok, the sage is entrusted to correct the world by means of governing and to benefit the world by playing a social and political role. To the contrary, Toegye wanted to show the example of personality through mind cultivation rather than active participation in politics. And, he sought a more peaceful world by leading people in the world to control desire and to live according to li(理) through education.