탄허스님의 유가적 경세사상

Abstract

This paper aims to review the Confucian Governing Thought of Tan-heo. His idea of the Governing Thought was formed when he was a teenager due to the tradition of Confucianism in his family and the influence of his father and was massively released after the New Avatamska Sutra Treatise was translated and published by him in 1975. His thought reflected the criticism of the ruling ideology of the world and the view of the future of Korea against the background of the development of material civilization and the defeat of ethics and morality. Tan-heo emphasized the Confucian practice of ethics, morality, etiquette, and moderation, especially thinking highly of the Great filial piety and the Utmost filial piety, which are regarded by him as the core of religion, and integrating the harmony of filial piety and loyalty to them. This was the foundation for the cultivation of morally talented people in the combination of Confucian virtue and the theory of Jeongyeok ( 正易 ) . In addition, as Confucius did, Tan-heo initiated education projects and practiced the principles of ‘being not ashamed to inquire of those beneath one’ and ‘no limits to learning’ until entering Nirvana. He strongly encouraged his disciples to study and learn and concentrated his efforts enthusiastically to foster talented people regardless of monks, laity, men, and women. This was his elite education system aiming to educate moral talent awakening to ‘Dao’ and ‘One’. Tan-heo interpreted the idealistic Royal Politics of China’s ancient times as a true democracy based on people-oriented ideas, benevolent government, equal distribution, and humanistic politics. Furthermore, he proposed a welfare society in which material is harmonized with religion and spirit. This was also supported by the theory of Jeongyeok. In particular, it is noteworthy to integrate academics/education with religion’s emphasis on politics. This is reflected in the development of Buddhism, the self-regard as a National teacher, the reorganization of curriculum and teaching materials, and moral talents taken as practical leaders toward an eastern ideal society. Finally, he pursued an ideal society based on the integrity of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. his Confucian Governing Thought could not but fail due to various limitations, but provided a foundation for related thoughts. Especially, it is highly meaningful that Tan-heo suggested not only educational thoughts from the perspective of Confucianism but also from political/social ideas, in his status as a modern high priest of Buddhism.