Mountain asceticism; Zen practice; Human nature; Bowo; Song Confucianism; Yi-Qi
摘要
Yulgok Yiyi was the most popular of the Song Confucian scholars in Korea. During the Joseon Dynasty, Confucianism was accepted as the dominant ideology, while Buddhism was scorned as heretical religion. Yet, even though Yulgok was the great Song Confucianist, he had read Confucian classics on Buddhism while in his teens and had also lived for a year on Mount Geumgang, where he engaged in ascetic practice. A year in Mount Guemgang undertaking mountain ascetic practice, he returned to society and successfully led his life. He did not just accept the Confucian doctrine without criticism, but through in-depth analysis and introspection, he realized the world of truth and endeavored to practice it in his own world. Although he did not gain a certainty from his Zen experience while practicing on Mount Geumgang, nevertheless, he did come to firmly realize that ordinary human nature is just the same as that of Buddha, Yao and Shun. In this manner, Yulgok was not a blind Confucian, merely adopting the prevailing trend of criticizing Buddhism as with other fanatics of the time, rather, he was sincere in his determination to develop his mind and to search within himself for truth. It would be misleading to say that Yulgok was a Buddhist ascetic although he studied Buddhism and Taoism without prejudice, but he never remained dependent on these teachings, instead, he became even more critical. And through his ability and commitment to seek deeper truths both by examining other doctrines and through his own practical experience, he was able to broaden the world of Confucianism.
