퇴계 지경법(持敬法)의 교육적 응용

Abstract

This article suggests a method of educational application based on the core of T’oegye’s Neo-Confucianism. In T’oegye’s philosophy, Jìng serves as the key concept in building his philosophical system. Jìng establishes a horizon of meaning in several ways: first, we dedicate ourselves solely to Xīn without concern for external matters; second, we practice precise restraint of Xīn; third, we suppress desires that arise from matter-energy; and fourth, we maintain constant mindfulness. Maintaining this state is called the method of Chí Jìng. Xīn represents a battleground between conscience and desire. In this context, Jìng preserves conscience, while blocking desire; this forms the program of Xīn Xué. Here, Xīn Xué becomes the central methodological axis of Chí Jìng with the same concept as Gōng Fū. In the confrontation between conscience and desire, Xin may experience two phases of conflict, depending on whether conscience or desire takes the lead. When desire follows conscience, Xīn achieves goodness. When desire attempts to lead, conscience must exert control to prevent desire from taking initiative. These processes all manifest through the state of Chí Jìng. Success requires continuous practice and constant training through the method of Chí Jìng that I have summarized into three steps. T’oegye recommends this system for treating and preventing afflictions of human nature. Given that many children today suffer from afflictions, they could benefit from this method of prevention and treatment. This method of Chí Jìng persisted as a traditional meme our ancestors used to nurture human nature; however, we no longer teach or learn this method today, representing the loss of a significant meme through the breaking of tradition. Restoring and applying this method of Chí Jìng to children could help heal their increasingly troubled human nature.