이승휴의 역사관

Yi Syung Hyu' Perspective of History

This article reviews the previous national, orthodox, confucius, and Sini神異史觀 historiographic view points on Jewangwoongi 'The Epic of Emperors and Kings' by Yi Syung Hyu (1224-1300) in 1287 and presents Choendosagwan(天道史觀) 'historical perspective emphasizing the might of Heaven' as his main historiography. Choendosagwan(天道史觀) reflects the ancient Korean thoughts and religion of sky or heaven. Its philosophy didn't develop logically. However Koreans believed in the ancient myth of 天帝 Emperor of Heaven and his son. Many small states in ancient Korea performed the sacrificial ceremony for the sky in gratitude to giving birth of human founders of states by consummation between Heaven God and Earth God. Choendosagwan(天道史觀) supported each state in maintaining its longevity without losing its identity through Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Yi wrote Jewangwoongi to instill the importance of historical continuity to Kings. Before the establishment of a state, there existed Heaven's will along with Earth's and human efforts. Choendosagwan(天道史觀) survives in Donghak, Cheondogyo, and Dangun belief. It encompasses other religions and set the tradition of harmonious coexistence of religions without conflict.