서애(西厓)의 ‘심(心)’ 이해에 관한 연구 = A Study on the Understanding of the Mind of Seo-ae

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (柳成龍, 1542-1607), a representative student of Toegye Yi Hwang (李滉, 1502-1571), was an accomplished statecraft thinker despite the lack of scholarship on this issue. As is well-known, he served as prime minister during the Imjin War (1592-1598).
Even in his late years, Seoae continued to emphasize the importance of the mind, in which he differed from Toegye’s other disciples who doggedly focused on the Learning of Principle (lixue 理學). It was indeed the most important aspect of his learning; however, he was also guarded against falling into the learning of Wang Yangming (王陽明, 1472-1529). His interests in Yangming Learning and Buddhism grew in response to the Imjin War, which prompted him to change his view of life and attitude toward Zhu Xi 주희(朱熹, 1130-1200) Learning.
He did not convert to Yangming Learning, the tendency toward the learning of the mind.
Seoae’s thought and learning, which differed from Toegye’s other disciples, was formed during the existential crisis he confronted during the Imjin War. Zhu Xi Learning has been criticized for its lack of practicality and its absorption in ideological factionalism. Despite such criticisms, Zhu Xi learning is not impractical as its essential message lies in cultivating oneself with practical concerns. Even the Practical Leaerning (실학 實學) of the Late Joseon should not be considered antithetical to Zhu Xi Learning but the full blossoming of its practical mind and learning. Likewise, Seoae’s learning and thought could be considered the extension of Teogye’s practical spirit. The contest between Galam and Han Zhu over Seoae’s theory of spiritual sovereignty shows the ways in which they succeeded Teoye’s philosophy of li 理. However, it should be undeniable that Seoae was the legitimate heir to Toegye’s Learning and that his thought was firmed rooted in Toegye.