退溪 李滉의 聖學과 의리사상

Abstract

This aims to study the characteristic of Toegye‘s learning in Sunghaksipdo(聖學十圖)and Chaja(箚子) and his attitude toward chuchu(出處)-going forth to take a position in government or getting back home- through the collection of his works. Toegye set a goal of learning to be a sage, sage learning. To attain the goal, he underlined that to set a subject throughout daoxin(道心) -the pure mind of man- and to realize the principle of being and practice ren(仁) -a loving mind- by studying thoroughly. He also emphasized chijing(持敬) that maintains jing(敬) continuously as the method of self-cultivating which pass through the minds of wiefa(未發) and yifa(已發). Toegye accentuated that to have right attitude on going forth and getting back literati should fix a purpose in life first, have correct understanding of situations by studying hard and understanding the principle, extend the ability steadily through learning. Toegye put the theory of Confucius and Mencius, 'Going forth hardly and getting back easily', into action and always be prudent on getting back in current real world. For this reason, he was criticised for being passive to participate in politics, however, he judged and practiced according to li(理) that based on learning ability and moral valuation constantly. The characteristics of Toegye's thought are emphasizing the activeness as a creative function understanding tianli(天理) as li, showing the sincere belief and consciousness of value in embodying pure principle of heaven by systematizing spontaneity of li, cultivating human emotions by sublimating love for nature and especially putting daoxueon(道學) the ground of righteousness through his whole life not stopping at speculative study. Toegye's lofty personality and continuous practice moved people's minds in later time and has been respected as a role model. His influence spread into China and Japan.