Abstract

This paper examines the ideals of human rights in Wonhyo's thoughts. It interprets Wonhyo’s concepts of ilsim and muae of Wonhyo in terms of the three fundamental ideals of human rights: liberty, equality and brotherhood/compassion. I It argues that (1) ilsim requires compassion and provides the grounds for of equality, and that (2) muae is the realization of compassion and liberty. Consequently, ilsim and muae are embodying liberty, equality and compassion. Through an analysis ng of "returning to the source of ilsim" (gwiilsimwon), a key concept ofin Wonhyo's philosophy, this paper shows that Ilsim finally aims at leading people to realize non-duality of others and self, and to live a life of a great compassion of oneness (dongchejabi). Through analyzing a womb of buddha-nature (yeoraejang), another name of Ilsim, this paper argues that it is the ground of the absolute equality of humans. This is because it is undestructible in any situations for any person. Through analyzing the notion of muae, this paper argues that it is an embodiment of compassion and liberty. Muae means liberty not bound by any bi-functional oppositions and fixed conventional thoughts. However, it is not just about liberty. What is prior to liberty is compassion. So liberty and compassion are inseparable in muae. One cannot think of one of them without the other. Wonhyo’s this notion of liberty is different from the modern notion of liberty. Mainly because it is not based on atomic and possessive individualism. It is rooted in oneness of you and I.