김장생의 예학정신과 한국가정의 문화전통

Abstract

The results of ritual studies in the 17th century Joseon are based on the friendly academic exchange between the scholars in Yeongnam and Hoseo, who continuously exchanged ideas on rituals. At the center of the exchange was Kim Jangsaeng(1548-1631). He is known as the foremost figure in the study of rituals for his studies and historical research on rituals, which expanded the horizon of the study of Korean rituals. There were a few aspects of his study that set him apart from the others. The first was his openness to the ideas of others. He discussed rituals with his teachers. colleagues, and pupils, and drew ideas from the studies of other scholars in Yeongnam in this subject such as those of Yi Hwang(1501-1570) and his pupils Jeong Gu(1543-1620) and Jang Hyeongwang (1554-1637) as well as Ryu Seongryong(1542-1607) and his pupil Jeong Kyungse(1563-1633). He also frequently exchanged letters with Jeong Gu, Jang Hyeongwang, and Jeong Kyungse whenever he came up with new questions and answers regarding rituals. The second thing that set him apart from the others was his assertion that rituals must be practiced based on compassion and rationality rather than formalities or theories of his seniors. However, he also stressed that there must not be excess or deficiency of compassion in practicing rituals, as they should be carried out in a rational manner in accordance with the financial condition of the family. As a scholar of ritual, he set a great example in building a respectful relationship with his father Kim Gyehwi(1526-1582) and his son Kim Jib(1574-1656). A model family for any Joseon seonbi is one that has a benevolent father and filial son. The father and son relationship between Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jib was something beyond that, as they their character and devotion to each other were such that they took theirs to a new level that can be defined as a human relationship of reciprocity, which is quite extraordinary especially when considering the fact that hierarchical relationship between father and son was the social norm at the time. Throughout their lives, Kim Jangsaeng his son Kim Jib kept an attitude of devotion to their studies and family, and their pursuit of mutual understanding and goal-setting was viewed as a relationship between two confidants rather than a father and son in the eyes of their peers. Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jib can be said to have set a role model for all the fathers and sons in Korea as a benevolent father and filial son.