손병희의 以身換性說 연구 - 맹자의 大體·小體와 관련하여 -

Abstract

This article is to study Euam's idea of Isinhoansung(以身煥性), which means the conversion of physical body into real nature. He defines physical body in two ways : one is that the body is the object living just for a hundred years and the other is that it is the subject holding real nature. Both are seemingly incompatible, but it is just a matter of perspective. He defines nature as core, recognizing it as immortal, which already exists before physical body comes into being. Euam's idea of Isinhoansung(以身煥性)means converting mortal physical body into immortal nature. The conversion of physical body into nature can be achieved through ‘reciting the 21 words with sincerity’ and ‘questioning’ similar to the practice of Buddhistic austerities. In the early days of Cheondogyo, the believers thought that they could sense the presence of Hanulnim only through reciting the 21 words with sincerity. They didn’t ‘question’ what the 21 words means. However, Euam introduced ‘questioning’ as a way of cultivating the mind to Cheondogyo. This way came from meditation of Buddhism. Meditators of Buddhism believe that they can see into their nature in the end after they constantly question ‘What is the Ego that goes along this body?’ Euam was so influenced by meditation of Buddhism that he invented a new way of cultivating the mind.