晦軒 安珦의 朱子學 導入과 敎育的 活動

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the academic characteristic of Ahn Hyang(安珦, pen name as 晦軒, 1243-1306). During the late period of Korean dynasty(高麗), social problems were rising disorderly. Domestically, shamanistic rituals were rampant and the corruption was prevalent in every division of government authorities, and externally, foreign affairs regarding the invasion of Mongol empire and the interference of Yuan dynasty were severely burdening the whole country. Also, corruption of the Buddhist temples were undermining the society. Its spirit of patriotism and function of edification had faded, leading to the decadence of Buddhist priests. They drained the state’s finances under the pretext of serving Buddha. In dire need of the foundation and renovation of a new mentality, Ahn Hyang introduced Zhuxi Studies朱子學) as a normative ideology, in attempt to settle the social problems and to reform the Korean society through the Zhuxi Studies approach. He directly criticized the debasement of Buddhism, that the dilapidation of the country was mainly on account of immoderate Buddhist ceremonies. He also set the objective to ban the Buddhist and Taoist studies(仙佛之學) from the society through enhancing the spirit of Zhuxi Studies. For this, Ahn Hyang focused on establishing the educational program for Confucianism. He imported the publications and various instruments needed for Confucian rites and ceremonies. He also raised the fund for the education of Confucian studies such as Yanghyungo(養賢庫) and Sumhakjeon(贍學田), showing that he put emphasis on both practice of ethical values and financial matters. His theories developed deeper through the process of passing onto Baekyijeong(白頤正) and Yijaehyun(李齊賢).