A pedagogical approach to Jujaseojeol-yo 朱子書節要: In relation to Gambalheunggi 感發興起 and Jinjisilcheon 眞知實踐

Jujaseojeol-yo 朱子書節要 is one of Yi Hwang Toegye’s李滉退溪 (1501-1570) Best Five Writings along with Seonghagsibdo 聖學十圖, Cheonmyeongdoseol 天命圖說, Jaseongrok自省錄 and Song-gyewonmyeongihagtonglog 宋季元明理學通錄. Toegye collected letters from the writings of Zhu Xi 朱子 (1130-1200), compiled them into 20 volumes, and added annotation and historical evidence. It was a breakthrough for the study of Neo-Confucianism during the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Jujaseojeol-yo’s purpose was to assist readers in perfecting their characters. Toegye tried to find a true path through life via Zhu’s writings. He also tried to share that perception with others through his book - its primary purpose was educational. In this paper, focusing on an analysis of the preface of Jujaseojeol-yo, we will examine the purpose and educational meaning of the work. For a long time, Jujaseojeol-yo was not properly evaluated. It may be the result of the prejudice of “editing without personality.” I propose that the work clearly shows what the main principles of Toegye’s thoughts are. It suggests a desirable direction of education for us in looking back on today s reality, where education and practice are separate and education cannot help personality formation and social development.