훈민정음에 반영된 의리학적 역학사상

Abstract

Hunminjeongeum that we recognize as characters is literally a character system and also philosophy that in which there is universal reason of all things in the universe. Hunminjeongeum was created in harmony with characters and sounds and it is the only character with reason in Mother Nature on its sound. It can be said that Hunminjeongeum is a sophisticated character on which a phonological system, moral-principle fundamentals and thoughts and Oriental philosophical reasoning are implied. Basic principles in creating Hunminjeongeum characters lie in fundamental theories for Zhouyi study such as Taiji theory, doctrine of the five natural elements of the positive and negative, three-principle theory and Sangsu theory for vocal sounds and combination of initial consonant, syllable nucleus and final consonant. King Sejong applied philosophies in Zhouyi Study and Neo-Confucian theories to Hunminjeongeum. In Hunminjeongeum, the needs of the times when it was created and the creator’s values are reflected, which makes Hunminjeongeum distinctive from other character systems. The creator’s values are shown as emphasis on the role of syllable nucleus. It means the creator highly valued the role of human being in the whole universe and recognized human as a participant in heaven and earth and as active existence that benefits all creation. King Sejong granted every aspect of practicing morality required from human being upon organizing vocal sounds of Hunminjeongeum. He wanted people to be active and independent human beings that fulfill the way of heaven and human morality in harmony with heaven and earth based on five constant virtues given upon human. It can be regarded as emphasis on righteousness philosophy perspective of Zhouyi that considers human’s practical role as important. Feeling pity that people could not express themselves, King Sejong came up with an idea to help people and as a result, Hunminjeongeum was invented that could embrace every sound and reason in the world by combining simple and easy consonants and vowels. It is the product of his love for the people to encourage learning and improve human right and what is greater than Hunminjeongeum creation is that it was invented from the King Sejong’s love of the people who were excluded from using characters. King Sejong wanted to edify people and make Joseon an ideal state where cultural order was well maintained with Hunminjeongeum. Hunminjeongeum is a representative example that applies moral-principle theory of Zhouyi to phonology in order to realize righteousness practice and political ideal. .