관계성의 측면에서 본 유학과 불교의 인성 개념- 『논어』와 『대승기신론』을 중심으로 -

Abstract

Although a popular belief emphasizes the importance and needs for character education, there is no consensus on what constitutes good character. This is because both teachers as well as scholars have different perspectives on the definition of character. A mainstream view on character defines character education with respect to virtues and competence. However, virtue-oriented discussion of character and character education failed to develop a systematic and unified theoretical framework. Against this background, this paper aims to explore the possibility of applying the concept of character in Confucianism and Buddhism to character education in practice. In Confucianism, character is defined with respect to the concept of ‘ren(仁)’, which means the relationship among people and love. According to ‘ren’, the intrinsic nature of character is found in the relationship among people, and it is based on love. In addition, the Analects discusses the relationship of the fundamental virtues such as xiao(孝), friendship, companionship, trust, honor, courage, generosity, and justice drawing upon ‘ren’. Pratītyasamutpāda(緣起法) in Buddhism is the concept of the relationship between I and other beings. Like with Confucianism this relationship is based with love and compassion-the love in Buddhism is coming from the realization of the relationship. This realization can be the nature of Buddha-humainty in Buddhism. Especially discussions about mind and psychological aspect in the Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna gives many implications in character education.