퇴계 활리(活理)의 미학적 고찰

Abstract

T’oegye(1501-1570) is a brilliant scholar who revealed Neo-Confucianism and made it blossom in the Chosŏn dynasty. His studies were aimed at becoming a sage and principle was at the heart of his study. Principle is an extremely high and noble creature like a god, shangdi(上帝), and is not an death object like a cold ash, but a vivaciously living principle. Principle granted from the sky is full of good will. Human beings have a inherited, universal desire for the value of beauty and the true aim of this desire is the value of good. This desire is based on human nature and inherited from heaven. Beauty comes from the good, and in Confucianism, morality and goodness are regarded as the substance of beauty. If good is sincere in mind, it naturally appears on the outside: in other words, if the vital energy of good or the vital energy of virtue is accumulated, it spontaneously appears on the outside. The principles of human mind is no different from the principles of heaven and earth. The principles of my heart is the principles which works as a driving force of heaven and earth. This is the basis on which heaven and man can be united. When the mind of human and the principle of heaven are coincident, you will have an unforgettable and enjoyable experience that rises from your heart, only to reach the true joy of life. The unity of human beings and the universe as a whole can lead to the most joyful life of all time, as they fulfill their nature, know the heavens, and master change with a curious sense of mystery. Ch’ŏna mugan(天我無間) that the mind of human and the principle of heaven match is a state of sentiment, accompanied by pleasure and attainment of taste. This is also a mental stage, so-called “congxinsuoyu buyuju(從心所慾不踰矩),” that does not go beyond the law even if one follows what his mind wants to do.