퇴계의 虛心遜志: 비우는 공부와 실천 방법

Abstract

This paper aims to expound the empty mind meditation by Toegye in terms of emptying one’s mind to remain humble. He set up his will as a starting point of study. We should be determined and set up a goal clearly in order to do the empty mind meditation, because our mind would not be moved by something which has nothing to do with our goal. At the same time, Toegye explains that the essence of the empty mind meditation is that you should not forget it nor be impatient. In his opinion, many scholars have the same problem that they studied hard to achieve something quickly, only to be impatient. Also, they use Daoist or Bhuddist way of clearing their mind, which is another inappropriate way. Toegye asserts that a scholar should concentrate on the empty mind meditation without being hasty. The essence of his way is to achieve emptying one’s mind to remain humble with the peaceful and awakened mind. Toegye practices two ways of the empty mind meditation on the basis of “not forget it nor be impatient.” One is “Emptying one’s mind naturally” and the other is “Emptying one’s mind actively.” Emptying one’s mind naturally is to abandon the desire for worldy pleasure; to reduce the unnecessary conversation; to commune with nature. He also put a great importance on practicing the teachings of <Elementary Learning> which preaches the empty mind meditation in daily life. However, it is required that a scholar should consciously. Toegye suggests the Quiet Sitting Meditation as a solution to the problem of too many thoughts and lack of concentration. Toegye's Quiet Sitting Meditation is characterized by giving consistency to necessary thoughts without forgetting them or trying to make them something great.