尤庵 宋時烈의 家禮觀

Abstract

This paper research into U-am, Song Siyeol(尤庵 宋時烈)`s viewpoint of family rituals(家禮觀) with the focus on Ancestor-memorial Ceremonies(祭禮). As regards the Theory of Rites(禮學), U-am fundamentally respects and has firm belief about Zhu Xi`s theory and “Zhu Xi`s Family Rituals(朱子家禮).” For the purpose of materializing the Confucian doctrine of ‘Rule of Rituals(禮治主義)’ in Chosun Society, he always emphasizes the absoluteness of the Family descent(宗統), and has a great reverence for “Zhu Xi`s Family Rituals.” However, while considering “Zhu Xi`s Family Rituals” the standard book on Rites(禮書) for the materialization of rituals, he did not strongly protest the influences of the then national institutions and customs over the rites. As to the standards in materializing rituals that were not stipulated in “Zhu Xi`s Family Rituals” yet, U-am asserts that, first of all, they must follow Zhu Xi`s Theories expressed in Zhu Xi`s theories such as “Jujadaejeon(朱子大全; A complete collection of Zhu Xi)”; and in case that they are not clarified in Zhu Xi`s Theories, they must rely on the ‘Ancient Rites(古禮)’ or the spirit of rites. In addition, rituals can base themselves on the preceding Confucian theories such as ones of Yul-gok, Lee yi(栗谷 李珥), or compromise with the customs of time(時俗), but this compromise is allowed only if it does not excessively break the basic principles of rites. Although U-am basically chooses to follow and respect Zhu Xi`s thought expressed in “Zhu Xi`s Family Rituals”, he always affirms that it is necessary to thoroughly verify, based on the Ancient Rites, The temporary ritual system(禮制) or Theories of rites(禮說) which look different from Ancient Rites or have uncertain sources. The principles of rituals can be replaced only in the case that their sources are not found in Zhu Xi`s theories. Here we can see U-am`s firm belief in Zhu Xi`s theories, to such an extent that he asserts that we would never be regret if we follow them.