주자 인(仁) 개념의 교육적 의미: 『인설(仁說)』과 『논어집주(論語集註)』를 중심으로

Abstract

The key word representing ‘the Analects of Confucius (論語)’ is perhaps ‘benevolence (仁; rén).’ Zhu-Xi viewed the Analects of Confucius as an important essence (精髓) in the study of Ryu Xue (儒 學). Usually, benevolence is understood and interpreted as the ‘compassion (pitiful mind) (惻隱之心)’ or love toward human beings. However, ‘benevolence (仁; rén)’ is much deeper and wider in its essence and application to just be interpreted as having these two meanings. Therefore, in the ‘Analects of Confucius,’ the aspects of ‘benevolence’ are interpreted diversely in the conversations between Confucius and his disciples, and Zhu-Xi deemed that ‘benevolence’ in ‘the Analects of Confucius’ is difficult to understand for beginner-level scholars. Eventually, in his work ‘Renshuo,’ Zhu-Xi defined ‘benevolence’ as a virtue of the heart, its essence that presides the benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom (仁義禮智); the reason for love as human nature; and the manifestation of love as a benevolent action. The forms of ‘benevolence’ in the Analects of Confucius could be explained with various words, such as loyalty (zhōng,忠) (faithfulness of oneself), forgiveness (shù, 恕) (solicitude for others), self-discipline (kèjǐfùlǐ, 克己復禮) (restrain from personal greed and restore proprieties), filial piety (xiào,孝), brotherhood (dì,弟) (fraternal love between brothers), and trust (xìn, 信) (faith). It can also be presented in various ways in everyday diverse human relations and situations. If we expand the essence and effect of such ‘benevolence’ to the educational meaning, then it could be said that the starting point of benevolence is the basal relationship between parents and the child, which happens only once in each person’s lifetime. As the relationships with other people expand based on the love of parents and the child's filial devotion to them, the form of benevolence becomes more diverse. Therefore, it is important emphasize the process of nurturing a person into a benevolent person (仁者) throughout one’s lifetime based on its knowledge and practice. Further, school education connotes the possible contemplation of and introspection on what is ‘benevolence’ by the three main figures in education: the student, teacher, and parents. It also involves the contemplation of how to recognize the essence of benevolence and how such practices should take place.