退溪의 敬 공부 고찰

Abstract

The core of philosophy of Toe Gye(退溪) is Gyeong(敬). The learning of Gyeong from neo-confucians including Toe Gye is an careful attitude in all levels of daily life. It emphasis endeavoring faithfully in the side of dealing with most of living things. This is a kind of caution with regulating oneself very carefully. It is linked to the final goal of confucianism. The purpose of confucianism is simply not theoretical composition such as treatise of human nature and universal essentialism but practice of governing and education, cultivating realized upon these. Toe Gye announced that his study is rooted in tradition of confucianism saying that Gyeong is the first and last one of sage learning(聖學, Seong Hak) in Kyung Jae Jam Do(敬齋箴圖). This paper re-interprets the thought of Toe Gye in the side of learning. Gyeong with Seong(誠) is the first and last one, alpha and omega, in neo-confucian. Seong is essential of universe which roots on cultivating human beings. Human beings endeavor self-realization and perfection practicing about learning Gyeong upon this theory. Neo-Confucians of Joseon dynasty generally deepen learning and manage life through Seong and Gyeong. This study reviews the meaning of Gyeong showed in confucianism, reflects the meaning of context of Gyeong, and considers what meaning it has in life. Above all, Gyeong of Toe Gye keeps practical character. First, it is to be solemn mind and calm oneself in daily life(整齊嚴肅, Jeong Jae Um Suk). Second, it emphasizes awakening of self-consciousness. This leads to awakening of conscience. Third, it is realization of ethical self. In the final analysis, Toe Gye understood the role of Gyeong in the level of learning for mind(心學, Simhak). Gyeong is placed in the best practical virtue through awakening of consciousness and attitude of solemn mind, calm oneself, and keeping manner in daily life which is neatly attired and prudent to one's conduct. As this point, Toe Gye realized practical learning of Gyeong.