中庸의 실천을 위한 모색 - 朱熹, 「中庸章句」의 중용을 중심으로-

Abstract

「Zhong Yong」, one chapter of 『Li Ji 禮記』has been regarded among people as one of Confucian scriptures. However, true meaning of 「Zhong Yong」has in common with Taoist scriptures like 『Lao Zi 老子』 and with Buddhist sutras. Historically, neo-confucianists like Lu Xiang Shan 陸象山 of Song宋 dynasty, and Wang Yang Ming 王陽明 of Ming 明 dynasty already constructed new interpretations of 「Zhong Yong」, adding Taoistic spiritual comments to it. As a matter of fact, while reading 「Zhong Yong」, you can easily find almost the same messages found in 『Lao Zi』 and the Buddhist sutras, and even in the Bible. Secondly, moderation, ‘the middle-of-the-road’ of 「Zhong Yong」has been regarded as metaphysical concept which can hardly be put into practice. Even Kong Zi 孔子 himself admitted in 「Zhong Yong」that it is extremely hard to practice moderation. But, anybody can practice moderation anytime at any place, if only he or she really believes in moderation from the bottom of his or her heart. Actually, moderation means nothing but Using(用) my Middle Mind(中心). Anything, from matters like my illness and my family problems, to huge disasters like earthquakes and radioactive fallouts around the world can be solved by using my One Mind(一心). In short, moderation is simply letting go to my One Middle Mind, believing that all problems will be solved properly. It is just like pressing button when you want electric light.