『다와레구사(たはれ草)』에 나타난 아메노모리 호슈(雨森芳洲)의 ‘도(道)’

Abstract

“Dawaregusa”, a collection of essays written by Amenomori Hosyu in his later years, is his greatest work, together with “Gissosawa”. On the basis of the use of ‘Tao’ (道) in ‘Dawaregusa’, this article examines the optimal avenues of politics, economics, culture, and science which the author identifies in this work. Firstly, for Hosyu ‘Tao’ is evident in politics in the relation between the sexes, in political methods and countermeasures, and so on. He emphasizes the right way of pursuing a romantic relationship, and discusses the importance of preparing a country or a house for disaster in advance. In addition, the theme of the work is highlighted through his emphasis on the principle that the wise judgment of politicians is important. Secondly, in the essay on the economy, Hosyu explains that there should be a ban on the export of Japanese iron because it is a finite resource, and he also discusses how people should accumulate wealth and use it. The topics of the conservation of resources, thrift and saving, and bans on excessive luxury are also effectively discussed, with Hosyu arguing that if older or younger people gain wealth beyond their needs, they eventually end up wasting money. Thirdly, in his essay on culture, Hosyu emphasizes that the situation of each country or era should be carefully examined because circumstances vary. And his ideas on relativism and diverse worldviews are clearly expressed through his focus on the principle of living together productively and not discriminating on the basis of stereotypes. He argues that there is no inherent superiority or inferiority among people, and that righteousness is achieved by treating everyone equally. Fourthly, in relation to science, Hosyu focuses on the importance of enlightenment and accurate judgment, and also the principle of ensuring the fair administration of justice and of a productive mental attitude. Meanwhile, he argues that the three religions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism have explained that the fundamental principles or axioms of the world are constant, and this idea corresponds to Juhui’s saying that ‘The world’s logic is one’.