Abstract

This article aims to discuss three things: first, to find the compiled collection of songs that is most similar to The Song of Gung-eul, which is mentioned in The Canonical Scripture among the existing materials. Second, to examine the content and meaning of that version. And third, to explore how Daesoon Jinrihoe approaches The Song of Gung-eul from a certain perspective. In the early 18th century, The Song of Gung-eul was widely spread by the Eastern Learning followers, and it seems that its various versions (異本) were created during the process of transcription and transmission. The Canonical Scripture mentions that The Song of Gung-eul twice, first as part of the Reordering Works of heaven and earth, related to Samyeongdang (四明堂), and second as referring to Jeungsan, the teacher who replaces Suwun, in relation to the Eastern Learning and the sage who achieves Dao-unification. From these passages, it can be inferred that The Song of Gung-eul, which was widely spread among people, was a mysterious and prophetic song that mentioned Jeungsan’s descending and Reordering Works of heaven and earth. This article infers that the Korean Literature of Song’s collection of The Song of Gung-eul (UCI: G001+KR08- 4850000101016.D0.V00004289) is the version most similar to the one mentioned in The Canonical Scripture. The overall content of this material denies the idea of leaving for a propitious court based on prophecies such as The Prophecy of Jeong Gam, while overcoming the uncertain internal and external situation at the time through The Song of Gung-eul. Especially, the passage that mentions the reappearance of a sage who achieves Dao-unification reveals the people’s desire for the emergence of a savior who can alleviate their suffering. From the perspective of Daesoon Thought, the way people should live is provided through the Reordering Works of heaven and earth, and new ways for refuge and self-protection have been opened. In other words, in Daesoon Thought, Gung-eul (弓乙) can be interpreted as meaning to follow and practice Jeongsan’s teaching of the Reordering Works of heaven and earth directly under the principle of the Great Ultimate (Taiji), beyond the form of a refuge mentioned in fortune-telling books or through auspicious talismans (靈符).