This paper examines and compares the annotations of Wang Bu-ji (Seonsan, 1619-1692) and Jeong Yak-yong (Dasan, 1762-1836) on the first chapter of 『the Doctrin of the Mean(中庸)』 focusing on "‘Cheon(Heaven,天)’, ‘Myung(Command, 命)’ and ‘Seong(Nature, 性)’ ...
This paper examines and compares the annotations of Wang Bu-ji (Seonsan, 1619-1692) and Jeong Yak-yong (Dasan, 1762-1836) on the first chapter of 『the Doctrin of the Mean(中庸)』 focusing on "‘Cheon(Heaven,天)’, ‘Myung(Command, 命)’ and ‘Seong(Nature, 性)’" to reveal their commonalities and differences. It is also a comparison between studying in China and studying in Korea through Wang Bu-ji and Jeong Yak-yong.
To look at the interpretation of Wang Bu-ji and Jeong Yak-yong on the ‘What heaven commands is called a nature’ in Chapter 1 of 『the Doctrin of the Mean』 first, the difference between Wang Bu-ji and Jeong Yak-yong is visible from the perspective of "Cheon(Heaven,天)". For Wangbu-ji, 'Cheon' is not personal and not subjective because 'Gi(氣)' is accumulated. For Jeong Yak-yong, ‘Cheon(Heaven, 天)’ is an intangible and intangible ‘Jujecheon(主宰天)’, and is a characteristic ‘Sangjecheon(上帝天)’. For Wangbu-ji ,'Cheon' is the movement of the Yin-Yang and Five Haengs(陰陽五行), and the Yin-Yang(陰陽) and Five Haengs(五行)are both the body and the function. Jeong Yak-yong insists that the Yin-Yang and Five Haengs originate when the sun shines or covers them, and that there is no constitution, only contrast.
Second, in terms of "Myung(Command, 命)", Wang Bu-ji emphasizes that "the decree is enforced by heaven". To Jeong Yak-yong, "Myung(Command, 命)" is the sound of 'mind of moral(道心)'.
Third, in terms of "Seong(Nature, 性)", Wang Bu-ji does not deny 'Seong is the Li(性卽理)' as 'Sung' is "the Li(理) of the life",but the 'Li' differs from Joo-hee(朱熹) in that it is "the Gi's the Li". Jeong Yak-yong emphasizes that "Seong(Nature, 性) is the Like(性嗜好)" and is different from Neo-Confucianism. Wangbuji and Jeong Yak-yong, in the same sentence, ‘What heaven commands is called a nature’, we can see that Wang bu-ji focuses on "Myung(Command, 命)" and Jeong Yak-yong focuses on "Seong(Nature, 性)", which represents a difference in perspective. However, it is the common opinion of Wang Buji and Jeong Yak-yong to emphasize human practicality by limiting "Myung(Command, 命)" and "Seong(Nature, 性)" to humans only.
Fourth, in the method of writing, both Wang Buji and Jeong Yak-yong criticize and cite predecessor Confucian scholars, using the ancient testimony as their theoretical basis. Wangbuji aims to clarify a practical philosophy of The Doctrin of the Mean that is distinct from the Department of Neo-Confucianism. Jeong Yak-yong's the interpretation of The Doctrin of the Mean, which is distinguished from the existing Department of Chosun Confucianism, also shares the same vein as Wangbuji in that it emphasizes the need to understand from a practical standpoint of humans. By emphasizing the practical character of The Doctrin of the Mean, Wang Buji and Jeong Yak-yong not only condensed the entire contents of The Doctrin of the Mean, but also tried to present the practical philosophical direction of Confucianism. Wangbuji and Jeong Yak-yong have different times and regions, but it is meaningful that they can find commonalities.