Edward Y. J. Chung

10.18399/acta.2011.14.2.005

Confucian Ecology Korean Neo-Confucianism Yi T’oegye nature reverence

One of the most pressing concerns in our modern world is the ecological crisis. The earth is becoming more polluted, but the sense of reverence for nature is significantly removed by the exploitation of nature driven by unlimited materialism, industrialization, technological manipulation, and economic power. This has challenged the world’s spiritual traditions to re-examine their doctrines of divine-human-earth relations. A recent development in Confucian Studies recognized our environmental problems as a key moral and religious topic. Various scholars—led by Mary Evelyn Tucker, Tu Weiming, and others who were instrumental in establishing the Forum on Religion and Ecology—contributed to the broader discussion of “Confucian ecology,” identifying the ecological dimension of self-cultivation and other ideas. However, the current literature does not articulate Korean perspectives clearly. This article presents Yi T’oegye’s (李退溪, 1501–1570) philosophy of reverence (kyŏng, 敬) and its modern ecological implications. By covering his major essays and letters, biography, and nature poetry, it discusses the way in which this eminent Korean Neo-Confucian developed a “holistic” system of ethics and spirituality.1 Central to T’oegye’s thought is his spiritual practice of reverence in cultivating sagely wisdom and fulfilling the human role in “forming one body with Heaven, Earth, and all things.” A Confucian life of kyŏng develops the reverential self and honors a solemn, harmonious relationship with the natural world. I mention why this eco-spiritual experience is rooted in T’oegye’s love of nature and his interpretation of self-cultivation and conclude that this is a leading Korean resource for the ecological study of Confucianism, which can inspire Korea and the world community to strengthen our shared quest for a sustainable nature and a healthy global future.