「經說」을 통해 본 眉叟 許穆의 禮樂論

Abstract

This study aims at investigating Ye and Ak (rites and music) theories by Miso Heo Mok, that is, what basis of thought did he seek so as to develop his Ye and Ak theories to overcome the contemporary societal chaos based on the Confucian study doctrine, Kyeongseol (經說). Almost everyone who studies Misu Heo Mok commonly agrees, without any hesitation, that Heo Mok pursued classical studies concentrating on six Confucian classics. Accordingly, rather than analyzing Misu Heo Mok’s Ye and Ak theories only through the theory of Ye (Rites) that caused factional disputes called Yesong (disputes on the codes of rites), this study focused on Kyoengseol found the fact that Heo Mok respected the importance of the Six Confucian Classics (六經)　including Ye and Ak, based on his practical Confucianism and such essential points of Confucianism as practice and realities. Misu criticized the political situations of the time and proposed alternatives based on the ultimate governing (至治) of the three dynasties: Xia, Shang and Zhou. This is inseparable from the fact his discipline is based on the Six Classics that contain the ultimate governing of the three dynasties. Therefore, it can be said that the political ideals Misu have tried to realize in reality were consistent with his academic orientation. As the politics declined during the Zhou-Qin transition period, the hegemony of the Six Classics disappeared. The nation flourished during three dynasties was because it was ruled in accordance with the Six Classics, and the politics have declined afterwards when it was not ruled in accordance with the Six Classics. Misu tried to diligently read Confucian canonical text of the sages and live accordingly. His ideals, both academical and political, were to practice the way of sages through the Confucian canonical text. Therefore, Misu seek practical Confucianism of cultivating moral character through Six Classics, rather than Neo-Confucian theory of "Li" and "Ki" or theory of mind-nature. Further, he focused on the study of mind and theory of Ye-Ak, rather than studying highly sophisticated ontological theory of "Li" and "Ki" and discussing heavenly principles (天理) and natures and conduct (性命). He put emphasis on the study of the lower level since it was the right way to master the heavenly principles through studying human affairs from below. Study of the lower level refers to rites, music, archery, charioteering, reading and writing. Ye and Ak, the rites and music, is the basis of the lower level studies, and it is important because only through the rites and music, one can gain virtue of benevolence and righteousness and get through to the higher level. The rites achieves the benevolence and righteousness by moderation and music achieves them by harmony. Like Yin and Yang, rites and music compliments each other and achieve the way of sages. Therefore, Misu wrote Kyeongseol to realize the ideals of Ye and Ak governing like it was governed in the three dynasties of Xia, Shang and Zhou, and dedicated the book to the king.