Iphak doseol (Diagrammatic Treatises for the Commencement of Learning) (1992)

Written by Gwon Geun (1352–1409) in 1390, the second year of King Gongyang of Goryeo, for those beginning their studies, this is an introductory text on Neo-Confucianism. Two versions exist: a single edition containing only the first part, and a combined edition containing both the first and second parts. Gwon Geun passed the state examination in 1368, the seventeenth year of King Gongmin, and went on to hold various official posts; for his great contribution to the founding of Joseon he was honoured as a Meritorious Subject of the Founding of the Dynasty. The first part contains twenty-six diagrams, including the Cheoninsimseonghabildo (Diagram of the Unity of Heaven, Man, Mind and Nature), while the second part contains fourteen diagrams, including the Sibiwolgwaejido (Diagram of the Twelve Monthly Hexagrams). Of these, the Cheoninsimseonghabildo, regarded as the most important diagram, summarises in a single chart the central concepts of Neo-Confucianism — the Great Ultimate, the Mandate of Heaven, principle and material force, yin and yang, the five elements, the Four Beginnings, and the Seven Emotions — explaining their interrelationships and individual characteristics in plain terms. In particular, this diagram had a decisive influence on the later Cheonmyeong doseol (Treatise on the Diagram of the Mandate of Heaven) by Yi Hwang and Jeong Ji-un, making a major contribution to the development of Neo-Confucianism.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Seongnam, Gyeonggi

Designation

Treasure · 보물