The Faith of Sich’ŏnju in Tonghak/Ch’ŏndogyo and its Method of Practice

Abstract:This paper studies the religious practices of Tonghak 東學/Ch’ŏndogyo 天道敎. I first investigate how Ch’oe Cheu experienced Hanŭl (天; Heaven) and became convinced that he had achieved “endless universal truth” (mugŭk taedo 無極大道) through this singular experience. I further discuss what this vision means for modern religious practitioners. Next, I point out correspondences between his experience and the training practices that Ch’oe created through reflection on his experience. I focus on such practices as sich’ŏnju 侍天主 (serving God) and susim chŏnggi 守心正氣 (preserving the mind and refining ki), which he created as the Tonghak spiritual discipline for training disciples to experience God’s presence and deepen their faith in sich’ŏnju. I also review and evaluate studies published on the practices of Tonghak/Ch’ŏndogyo, using synchronic approaches to compare the principles of those practices with those of other local religions, particularly modern Confucianism and Daoism. In this way, I identify the characteristics of Tonghak practices. Finally, in order to highlight the hermeneutical evolution of Tonghak/Ch’ŏndogyo, I analyze the consistencies and inconsistencies in belief and practice that emerged as Ch’oe developed his ideas.