장자의 깨달음

Abstract

This study aims to reveal how the ‘true knowledge’ of Zhuangzi is possible on a personal level. For that, the personal obtainment of ‘true knowledge’ of Zhuangzi’s Dao is examined in two dimensions of mind and practice, and the concrete method of true knowledge is analyzed. Lastly, the actual effect of true knowledge is revealed in the attitude of being a ‘virtuous friend’ and having the ‘daily affirmation’. The development of the study for discussion is as follows: First, the realm of Ming, a place of mental true knowledge of Zhuangzi’s Dao, is examined. Here, the learning of Ming involves a process leading to a stage of ‘envisioning universal uniqueness.’ Second, the practical true knowledge of Zhuangzi’s Dao is investigated centering on ‘going both ways.’ The learning of ‘going both ways’ is possible through accumulated meritorious deeds. Third, the true knowledge of Zhuangzi lets people acquire ‘virtuous friends’ and maintain positive attitude towards life itself no matter what hindrance comes along. This is the practical effect of Zhuangzi’s true knowledge. There are three new values revealed through this study. First, the true knowledge of Zhuangzi does not emphasize any one dimension over the other between mind and practice of a human being. It is an integrated enlightenment that is completed through simultaneous progression of these two dimensions. Second, Ming, the realm of mental obtainment of true knowledge, is a state of a person’s subjective experience. Because of this, the training process that leads to Dao is lonesome. However, the person who reaches the true knowledge of Dao first accompanies the training process of others, and after the enlightenment, one’s daily life is accompanied by the friends of virtue. Thus, the person with true knowledge is not lonely. Third, the true knowledge of Zhuangzi is realized by an attitude of positivity in daily life rather than an escape to a mental fantasy or a pursuit of idealism for the future. The true knowledge of Zhuangzi is exercised as a life technique in which an individual is able to handle the situation by facing it squarely without being depressed with frustration or running away when placed in various marginal circumstances such as death, disease, and poverty. This kind of true knowledge of experiential learning can be said to be a ‘technique of life affirmation’ in that humans living within the constraints of time and space can demonstrate practical wisdom that positively affirms the various limits of life with their own strength.