해월 최시형의 待人接物論 硏究

Abstract

This is the study of how one serves others and things. It means, Haewol says, that, when we treat one others and things, we ought to do them as if they are Hanul. He could declare this because he achieved spiritual enlightenment – humans are precious beings that Hanul exists in. He practiced this in his everyday life, and didn’t forget to cultivate the Mind to keep awake spiritually even during 36 years’ escape from government office. Some of His writings, 「SuSimJeongGi」 and 「DokGong」, describes his enlightenment and the essence of cultivating the Mind. Haewol’s way of cultivating the Mind is described clearly in these writings. It is to recite the 21 words with the whole heart. The most important thing when reciting the 21 words is to remove some obstacles – desire, possessiveness, and prosperity. They always block the awareness of Hanul’s existence in the body. However, the awareness of Hanul’s existence through reciting the 21 words makes the world look different. All the people and things in the universe are precious beings with Hanul in them, and they should be respected as Hanul.