王陽明의 中庸 首章 이해

Abstract

The first Chapter in Jungyong (the Doctrine of the Mean) is equipped with the contents about ‘the original substance’, ‘its realizing method’ and ‘the ideal realm’ which are the central subjects of the Neo-Confucianism. This writing is what examined into the characteristics of its understanding about the original substance, self-cultivation and the realm, which appeared in Wang yang-ming's interpretation of the first Chapter in the Doctrine of the Mean. Wang yang-ming identifies 'Nature' which is granted from the heavens with 'Mind', and prescribes 'the original substance of its mind' as 'the innate knowledge'. And, he understands the so-called ‘the state devoid of seeing and hearing' and ‘what is hidden and subtle’ in the Doctrine of the Mean as having described the characteristics of the mind-essence, and grasps ‘the effort to be cautious and apprehensive’ and ‘being watchful over oneself when alone’ as the effort to realize the mind-essence. In addition, Wang yang-ming newly presents ‘the extension of the innate knowledge to the utmost’ as a method of 'achieving the state of equilibrium and harmony' by restoring the matter of 'equilibrium before the feelings (of pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy) are aroused,' and of 'harmony after they are aroused' to the problem about 'substance and function of the mind'. And, he contends that it comes to reach the ideal realm in which ‘heaven and earth will attain their proper order’ and ‘all things will flourish,’ through the extension of the innate knowledge to the utmost.