중국 춘추 전국시대의 도가(道家)와 유가(儒家)의 경전에 언급된 물의 이용과 철학

Utilization and Philosophy of Water Described in the Scriptures of Daojia and Rujia During the Spring, Autumn and Warring Periods in China

This paper explores the utilization and philosophy of water mentioned in the scriptures of Daojia and Rujia in China and describes their similarities and differences. Daojia and Rujia have been developed by establishing a philosophical system centering on Laozi and Confucius respectively. The conclusions of comparing the contents of the literature in terms of water utilization and philosophy in the two schools are as follows. In Daojia, the natural characteristics of water are compared to the human mind, claiming that water is essential to life and although looks weak but has strong sides. In Daojia, the water is praised as a symbol of high morality, benefiting the surroundings and humbly falling to the lower ground to yield and not fight. Therefore, people emphasized that it was desirable to resemble the good points of water and to lead a peaceful life with their neighbors. In Daojia, people are inspired to harmonize with the nature and accord with the flow of nature. Daojia encouraged the life of hermit who pursues the true path, maintaining the purely empty state of heart like water and having natural character. Daojia also emphasizes the absolute and idealistic philosophy of virtue, which carries the peace of nature without greed and artificial restraints. Rujia sympathizes with a full and continuous flow of water, giving the physiological importance and emotional significance to life forms. In Rujia, the good points of water are expressed by such as veneration, righteousness, dignity, courage, exemplar, justice, insight, good deeds, and will. At Rujia, water is praised as having the clean and flexible elegance and virtue, by the term ‘the wise man likes water’. It is emphasized that, as the water can flow constantly when the source of spring rises high, a person can study continuously and be fully self-disciplined and can continue to be a wise man. In Rujia, it is claimed that like water or fire is essential to man, the four virtues of confucianism - compassion, justice, manner, and wisdom are essential to man. Rujia warned that if massive water is not handled well, it could cause catastrophic disasters. Therefore, it is advised to manage and utilize water rationally for proper drainage. I believe that Rujia emphasizes a pragmatic philosophy that people should accept social reality, trust in human possibility, and try to make a peaceful world. We can learn virtues such as the essentials of water emphasized in Doijia, goodness, tenderness, humility, strength, harmony with nature. We can also take as a lesson the philosophy of water, humanity, continuation, justice, good deeds and will that claim in Rujia. If we reflect these virtues and philosophies in our lives and politics, and practice rational use and ;management of water, we can enjoy happier, safer and peaceful lives together.