An Aspect of the Mencius Interpretation by Jeong Do-jeon(鄭道傳)
This research examines the study of Mencius by Jeong Do-jeon(鄭道傳,1342~1398). JeongDo-jeonauthored Gyeongjemungam(經濟文鑑), Gyeongjemungambyeoljip(
經濟文鑑別集), oseongyeonggukjeon(朝鮮經國典)andmo ...
An Aspect of the Mencius Interpretation by Jeong Do-jeon(鄭道傳)
This research examines the study of Mencius by Jeong Do-jeon(鄭道傳,1342~1398). JeongDo-jeonauthored Gyeongjemungam(經濟文鑑), Gyeongjemungambyeoljip(
經濟文鑑別集), oseongyeonggukjeon(朝鮮經國典)andmore. Articles such as Bulssijapbyeon(佛氏雜辨) and Simgiripyeon(心氣理篇) are also included in anthology. In many of which Jeong vigorously expressed his views, while utilizing Mencius as his theoretical base, of Confucian Studies in the interpretation of Confucian Classics. Such materials offer a useful glimpse into his study of Mencius while Jeong never submitted any writings related to MenciusAs a result of investigation, Jeong’s study of Mencius is understood that based on the foundation of anti-heresy theory, he had a strong intention
of awakening people and made a novel attempts to interpret one’s mind.
The direction was less about studying the original intention of the doctrine but more focusing on activities to inspire people. In Jeong’s consciousness in which he meant to install a foundation stone in building a new nation, the doctrine was used as a way to instill inspiration than its original meaning. Regarding the role of a monarch, he would quote Mencius, actively evaluate spectators, or introspect the roles of a monarch and his
subjects, while making a great effort to maximize the effectiveness of the study as a tool of inspiration. To interpret in terms of Confucius Studies, it was to embrace.
The world view of Philosophy of Qi(氣一元論), suggested as a theory of anti-heresy, and the understanding of one’s mind were considered as more the stance of Northern Song Dynasty scholars than that of the Doctrines of Master Zhuzi(朱子, 1130-1200); and insights regarding one’s mind is understood as the very root of Susa Learning(洙泗學) combining
teachings of Confucius and Mencius.
The understanding of Jeong Do-jeon’s interpretation of Mencius is to contribute to investigating the academic atmosphere at the early founding of Joseon Dynasty as well as a detailed aspect of Confucian Classics.
Key Words : Jeong Do-jeon, Mencius Studies, early Joseon Dynasty, Joseongyeokguijeon, Gyeongjemungam
End of the Koryo Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty Menciu Subjects of Understanding and Matters of Interest : There is a need to describe the history of Confucianism not from the
perspective of the concept of neo-Confucianism but based on the awareness of issues, that is, from the viewpoint of the matters of interest that invoke subjects and the subject consciousness. It is all the more so in that the subject of analysis will be able to be materialized along with the comparative analysis on the context of interpretation in a more broadened manner. In addition, the thoughts at the end of the Koryo Dynasty and early
Joseon Dynasty period should be understood based on the point of concrete text rather than the perspective of typicality of being an intermediate or transitional period. Against this backdrop, this article has sought to understand the history of Confucianism from the perspective of subject consciousness and matters of interest based on several key points of
Mencius. To the scholars at the end of the Koryo Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty, Mencius served as a useful scriptural authority in effectively presenting their ideas and thoughts. Mencius became the base of debate on land issues and was also utilized in political issues of implementing compassionate politics and the rule of right. They often used the Mencius’ claims as a vehicle to criticize the absolute power of the Crown. It faithfully quoted the original nature of the Mencius texts with its assertiveness and frequency overwhelming the circumstances in late Joseon dynasty. Unlike this, the subject of cultivating mind and character had already actively utilized the logic of neo-Confucianism. However, its approach was not intended toward further advancing the understanding of the mind in an analytical and detailed manner as demonstrated in the theory of four beginnings or the theory that human being and an animal have the same or different nature in late Joseon Dynasty period. Mostly, the approach was taken to be faithful to the claims of the scripture and to emphasize the practical aspects to some extent. When it comes to the perspectives of the anti-heresy theory, the scholars at the end of the Koryo Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty period showed more interest in the anti-heresy nature of Mencius himself. Understanding the preciseness and consistency of the logic requires more examination but considering the circumstances of the time when the Buddhism exerted its social and ideological influence, the logic of revolution as a social thought held by the anti-heresy theory is still worth attention. It is not aligned with
the circumstances in late Joseon Dynasty period challenged by the anti-heresy nature within Confucianism.
In conclusion, the analysis on subjects and matters of interest with Mencius serving as a controversial point is effective in understanding the history of Confucianism at the end of the Koryo Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty period and is identified to well serves as a strategic base. The subject awareness and matters of interest in the Mencius’ points were converted to other points as interest in neo-Confucianism deepened and the ideological weight of Confucianism expanded. This will be meaningful as a methodological attempt to capture ideological changes through studies on Confucian Classics.
Key Words End of the Koryo Dynasty and early : Joseon Dynasty, Mencius, subjects and matters of interest, theory of political economy, theory of cultivating mind and character, anti-heresy theory
Studies on Mencius Prior to the Toegye Yi Whang Period : With focus on the period between the early Joseon Dynasty and King Seongjong’s reign
This study has been conducted as part of a series of papers designed to examine the research and understanding the “Mencius” among scholars in early Joseon Dynasty period prior to the Toegye Yi Whang era. Established in 1392, Joseon published the Confucian classics imported in the 1420s but the Mencius commentary did not appear 150 years after that, which is unusual in the light of the fact that the doctrines of Chu-tzu were accepted
late Goryeo period and that a considerable level of neo-Confucianism books were presented during the King Sejong’s and Seongjong’s reign period. This article has examined the academic environment of the Joseon Dynasty, which delayed the birth of Mencius commentaries from multiple perspectives. The subject of examination includes the perceptions of kings and high-ranking officials in early Joseon period, trends in national research institutes, effects of practical academics and neo-Confucianism back then, royal family’s love and affection toward Buddhism, and the level of understanding of texts among Confucian scholars.
The study has found that the academic circumstance the early Joseon Dynasty period did not allow the presentation of the Mencius commentaries. No doctrinaire atmosphere to force the textbook understanding of the doctrines of Chu-tzu was created while the civil service examinations continued their tradition characterized by evaluating literary competencies
rather than understanding the classical Chinese literature, which is directly related to studying scriptures. The royal family’s love and affection toward Buddhism, which was sustained up to the Queen Munjeong’s reign,resulted in Buddhist customs established throughout the private sector.
Above all, a lack of understanding of quotations stood in the way of accurate interpretation of the Confucian classics, which is required to write the commentaries. These complex circumstances led to the failure of the doctrines of Chu-tzu. However, it is far-fetched to consider the presentation of the commentaries alone as the academic development. An explosive increase of the Korean annotations of Chinese classics by the national correctional agency and their accompanied commentaries is a paradoxical representation of sort of a national control and academic coercion although the commentaries of the Confucian classics are in the heart of academic disputes.
Key Words End of the Koryo dynasty and early Joseon : dynasty, Mencius, perception of the study of Chinese classics, Mencius commentaries, civil service examinations in Chinese classics, interpretation of quotations