Reexamination of Toegye’s Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning (Songhak sipdo) in Terms of Character Education

Son, Seung Nam; Nam, Ki Ho

Korean Journal of General Education 2019;13(2):313-330.
Published online April 30, 2019.

Seung Nam Son, Ki Ho Nam

소양교육의 관점에서 본 퇴계 『성학십도』의 재음미

손승남, 남기호

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to reexamine the Ten Diagrams of Sage Learning by Yi Toe-gye(1501~1570) in a view of the cultivation of human nature. The article focuses on the direction and ways of this cultivation in a rapidly changing society and discusses the 3 key findings from the Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning, summarized as ‘Elevation of Being,’ ‘Cultivation of Spiritual Foundation,’ and ‘Practice of Knowledge.’ Firstly, ‘Elevation of Being’ covers ‘Individual Upbringing’ from 「1st Taegeuk-Do」 and 「2nd Seomyung-Do」 with an emphasis on a Harmony in All Creatures (萬物化生) with one’s inborn capability. It also suggests ‘Wellness’ from 「10th Sookheung yamaejam-Do」 with concurrent practice of ‘Reading’ and ‘Relaxation’ that prevents illness caused by obsession and impatience. Secondly, ‘Cultivation of Spiritual Foundation’ focuses on education for humanism from 「3rd Sohak-Do」 to make a habit on ‘Five Relationship Action Learning’ in daily life and avoid any forceful education on morals. The section also emphasizes on self-reflection (反求諸己) and selfdiscipline (愼獨) from 「6th Simtongsungjung-Do」 with cultivation(存養) and introspection(省察). Lastly, ‘Practice of Knowledge’ focuses on ‘Filial Piety’ from 「2nd Seomyung -Do」 with educational roles and responsibilities of parents, children, teachers and society. The section also concentrates on ‘Chungseo’ (Loyalty and Forgiveness) from 「7th Insul-Do」 to assign specific agenda to be continuously performed and enhanced. Today’s education is at the turning point where not only remarkable improvements on the current social issues but also preparation for future education are truly required. This article may be, if not complete, a guide for an opportunity to reflect on how to cultivate oneself and to educate our next generation.

Key Words: Ten Diagrams of Sage(聖學十圖), Character Education(素養敎育), Cultivation and Introspection(存養省察), Knowledge and Practice(知行), Development of Foundation(根本涵養)