The essence of Hongik Ingan

The essence of Hongik Ingan 

The journey began when individuals developed an interest in Korean dramas or K-pop. Over time, this curiosity deepened, prompting people to explore the Korean language, culture, and history. When discussing the history of Korea, it is crucial to address the fundamental ideology embraced by Koreans—Hongik Ingan. 

The History and origins of Hongik Ingan

This Korean concept revolves around promoting broad and extensive benefits for humanity. It serves as the founding principle of Korea, encapsulating the idea of "Benefit for all Humanity." Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon explains that Hongik Ingan established principles deeply ingrained in the Korean mindset, inspiring Koreans to strive for noble ideals and adopt a spiritually grounded perspective on life. Societally, this fostered a desire to establish an ideal nation and become a source of inspiration and knowledge for all of humanity. 

With a rich history and tradition in Korea, Hongik Ingan signifies an exemplary individual who actively pursues justice and morality. The expression can be found in the Samguk Yusa, a historical book from the Goryeo Dynasty, and its roots are connected to the myth of Dangun. Dangun Wonggeom, known as the founder of Gojoseon, centered his political philosophy on the welfare and interests of the people. To gain a deeper understanding of the origins of Hongik Ingan, let us delve into this particular aspect of history. 

The ancient historical record tells that Dangun's ancestral tale commences with his grandfather, Hwanin, known as the Heavenly Emperor. Hwanin had a son named Hwanung, who yearned to save all under heaven. Granting Hwanung's wish, Hwanin allowed him and 3,000 followers to descend upon Baekdu Mountain, where Hwanung founded the Sinsi, a divine city referred to as the "City of God." Alongside ministers of clouds, rain, and wind, Hwanung established laws, moral codes, and imparted knowledge of various arts, medicine, and agriculture to humanity. The record attributes the origins of acupuncture and moxibustion to Dangun. A Tiger Clan and a Bear Clan fervently prayed to Hwanung, seeking transformation into humans. Hwanung responded by giving them twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort, instructing them to consume only this sacred sustenance and remain shielded from sunlight for 100 days. After about one hundred days, the tiger abandoned the cave, while the persevering bear clan woman metamorphosed into an ideal woman. 

Symbolically representing two tribes aspiring for favor from the heavenly prince, a woman from the bear tribe, known as Ungnyeo, expressed gratitude through offerings and prayers to Hwanung. However, she longed for a spouse and beseeched the "divine birch" tree for a child. Touched by her supplications, Hwanung married her, and soon she gave birth to their son, Dangun Wanggeom. Ascending the throne, Dangun established the walled city of Asadal, situated near Pyongyang, and christened the kingdom Joseon, referred to today as Gojoseon to distinguish it from the later Joseon dynasty, which emerged around 3,500 years later. Eventually, Dangun relocated the capital to Asadal on Mount Paegak or Mount Gunghol.

 Dangun is credited with initiating the national religion of Heavenly Teaching and introducing the concept of Hongik-ingan, meaning "fostering wide-reaching benefit for humanity."]]] On Ganghwa Island, atop Mount Manisan, stands an altar believed to have been built by Dangun himself during the 51st year of his reign (2283 BCE). Dangun directed Unsa Baedalsin to construct Samnang Fortress on Hyeolgu (modern-day Ganghwa Island) and erect an altar on the mountain to perform rituals and offer reverence to Heaven. Thus, Hongik Ingan forms an ideology connecting Hwanin, Hwanung, and Dangun, leaving an indelible mark on Korean history and culture, influencing subsequent rulers as well.

                     

 Hongik Ingan Timeline

                                     

            

Chamseongdan Altar, Mt. Manisan, Ganghwa Island

Now, let's take a closer look at the meaning of each Chinese character of Hongik Ingan (弘益人間) through Hanja character analysis. 

• 弘: it means wide, in this case it means to spread the benefit widely to the human world. 

• 益: it means benefit. It represents the will to add benefit to the human world. 

• 人: it means human. Here, it is used in the sense of targeting the humans. 

• 間: it means between. Through this Hanja character, the meaning encompassing the entire humanity is emphasized. 

Hongik Ingan ideology pursues an ideal where members of society are considerate of each other and help each other so that everyone can enjoy a happy and safe life. This idea presents the basic human values and principles that we should aim for, and it can be seen as delivering important messages that are still valid in modern society. 

In the Words of Professor…

During one of our lectures in Season 1, Professor Son Kyung Hee throwed some light on this topic as well. She talked about the practical rules that can be derived from this ideology. She talked about how we can have a glimpse of these rules, of those practical instructions, through the writing, “Yeompyomun” [염표문], which means, ‘a writing to be inscribed in your mind’. This Yeompyomun writing was authored and proclaimed by, the 11th Dohae Dangun of Gojoseon. It’s a work based on the philosophy of Spirit Teaching. 

Yeompyomun [염표문] in Dangun Segi

Dao of Heaven

• Heaven is magnificient in its unfathomable mysteriousness and deep silence.

• The dao of Heaven is all embracing, for it is far-reaching.

• Heaven’s work is to unite all things into one through truthfulness.

Dao of Earth

• Earth is grand in its accumulation and preservation.

• The dao of earth is all embracing, for earth emulates the dao of Heaven.

• Earth’s work is to unite all things into one through constant nurturing.

Dao of Humanity

• Humans are great in their wisdom and abilities.

• The dao of humanity is all embracing, for humanity chooses the dao of Heaven and Earth.

• Humanity’s work is to unite all things into one through co-operation.

It’s emphasizing the virtue of human which is cooperation. This is the way we have to pursue.

Professor Son also talked about the last and most important part of Yeompyomun writings, sentence by sentence. 

• The first one being Ilsinkangchung [일신강충], which means, ‘One Spirit bestowed upon humanity its true mind’. One Spirit is the supreme being in Heaven, the primal source.

• The second one is, Seongtonggwangmyeong [성통광명], which means, ‘Humanity’s nature is thus as radiant as that of the One Spirit’.

• The third one is, Jaesaeihwa [재세이화], which means, ‘You must rule the world with the spirit teaching to edify people’. Spirit teaching is the philosophy taught by the One Spirit.

• And the fourth one is, Hongik Ingan [홍익인간] which means, as discussed previously, ‘fostering wide-reaching benefits for all humanity’.

Now, how can we actually pursue this ideology? As what Professor discussed, we have to first awaken to truth. All human beings are granted true nature from Heaven, and the true nature is really radiant. So, when human beings are awakened to this truth, that they are radiant, then we can put this ideology of Hongik Ingan into action.

 

The Eightfold Teachings for Truthful Life

Furthermore, we will be talking about the 8 Doctrines of Dangun Wanggeom, which was recorded in Dangun Segi [derived from Hongik Ingan]. At the time of the 1st Dangun Wanggeom (2333 BCE), it was declared that the will of the people was heavenly father, and the '8 Articles of the Dangun Edict' was issued. Let us take a look at these eight articles.

Article 1: The Law of Heaven is only one. Its entrance is also only one not two. Only if you keep one mind in purity and sincerity, it is possible to see the God.

Article 2: The Law of Heaven is one at all times and the human mind must be also one. Be considerate of other’s mind based upon deeming one’s mind. If one harmonizes with the mind of others, one is to accord with the Law of Heaven. This makes possible to rule the whole world.

Article 3: You received your life from your parents, and your parents came down from heaven, so the only way to properly honour your parents is to honour the heavens and extend to the country. This is loyalty and filial piety. If you hold this principle in your body, even if the sky collapses, you will be the first to get off your anger. 

Article 4: Even animals have pairs, and even worn-out shoes have pairs. Men and women, be at peace with each other, and avoid resentment, jealousy, or lewdness.

Article 5: Bite your ten fingers. There is no difference in the pain. Therefore, love each other, do not speak ill of each other, help each other and do not harm each other, so that your family and your country will prosper.

Article 6: See your cows and horses. Rather, they share food. You must yield to each other, do not steal, work together and do not rob, so that the country and family will prosper.

Article 7: You must not act fiercely and hastily, do not harm goods or harm others, always obey the laws of Heaven, and love all things with all your capacity. Help those who are in danger, do not despise the weak, help the poor, and do not ignore the lowly.

Article 8: If you start a fire in a rice field and all the rice is burned, the heaven will be angry. Preserve your nature that was given at birth and do conceive evil thoughts. You must neither cover up the evil, nor envisage the thought of harming others. Revere the Heaven and love people. Then, your bliss and wealth will be ceaseless. You, people of five ministries, uphold my words.

The Eight Doctrines of Dangun Wanggeom discussed above should be regarded as norms that should not be neglected just because we live today. In particular, it is desirable for Koreans to be the standard of value judgment that must be followed and observed when acting or judging. This is the nature of Koreans. The guts to want the world to benefit because of me! That is Hongik's tenacity. 

         

Hongik Ingan Ideology in Education

Hongik Ingan was adopted as the educational ideology of the Republic of Korea from the days of the US military government after independence. It was pointed out that 'Hongik Ingan' proposed as an educational ideology was unscientific and similar to the Japanese ' Palgoong Ilwoo', but after controversy, it was adopted as the educational ideology of Korea at the Education Deliberation Council held on December 20, 1945. 

According to Article 2 (refer to the info below) of the Education Act enacted and promulgated as Act No. 86 on December 31, 1949, “Education enables all citizens to perfect their character under the ideology of Hongik Ingan, acquires the ability to live independently and develops the qualities of a citizen, and promotes the development of a democratic nation. It aims to contribute to the realization of the ideal of common prosperity for mankind by serving the world”. In addition, Hongik Ingan is not an expression of old-fashioned nationalism ideology, but means co-prosperity of mankind. It is an ideology that is completely consistent with the basic spirit of democracy. It was explained that it was set as an educational ideology in view of 'the ideal of all mankind'.

 

The modern way of Hongik Ingan…

The Hongik Ingan ideology emerged as a captivating source of knowledge for the participants. One of our active members, Viola from Italy, showcased a news card in Season 1, focusing on the subject of Hongik Ingan. Viola skillfully established a connection between Hongik Ingan and the practice of meditation. According to her, “Hongik Ingan is not something that is found in history only. In fact, we can easily connect to this philosophy with Meditation. Meditation is also important for humans to recollect themselves and return to the Human’s True Nature. The goal is to re-create an ideal world, where everything from individuals to communities is in harmony.” So, concludingly, through Hongik Ingan’s ideology and meditation, we can reach the Paradise of Immortatlity, which is important for us to overcome and heal from every negative event that we will face in the future. 

 

There are a lot of real-life examples through which we can witness the connection between Hongik Ingan and modern world. By inheriting the spirit of Hongik Ingan, we can share with our neighbours and create a society that cares for each other. Even the essence of education is to foster the power of future generations to make the world a better place based on Hongik Ingan ideology. Furthermore, in this community, everyone wants to realize the value of Hongik Ingan, and they all are doing their best in their respective fields. According to Hongik Ingan ideology, corporations should aim not only to pursue profits but also to fulfil their social responsibilities. And we see how the business ventures nowadays are taking an active part in ensuring the fulfilment of their social responsibilities. Through cooperation with developed countries, efforts are being made to create a global society that realizes the value of Hongik Ingan. We are also actively participating in international cooperation for peace and human benefit by following the path of Hongik Ingan ideology.

Not only these, but we can also see how renowned faces in our society are talking and following the Hongik Ingan ideology. “If the 21st century arrives and the world becomes one, the focal point I believe will become Northeast Asia. I think the key ideology that should serve as a model should be Korea’s peaceful Hongik Ingan ideology”. These are the words of Arnold J. Toynbee, an English historian and a philosopher of History.

Also, according to Emanuel Pastreich, an American expert in Asian Studies, “We draw on the Korean tradition on Hongik Ingan, which means spreading benefits to all of the humanity, as we plan for the future. We do not see Korea’s past as an impediment to Korea’s modernisation, but rather the true source of inspiration for creating a more compassionate and sustainable society”.

We can easily find the expression of Hongik Ingan in media as well, in many Korean movies, dramas and songs. For example, BTS’s JIn’s song “Epiphany” talks about loving ourselves, which is the foundation of Hongik Ingans philosophy. And this has been further very well expressed through the lyrics of the song, “One Dream, One Korea- Korean Dream”, a masterpiece sung by many famous artists of K-pop industry, such as BTS’s Jeon Jung Kook, EXO’s Baekhyun, Red Velvet’s Wendy, and others. Therefore, in summary, the underlying moral that can be gleaned from the Hongik Ingan ideology is that,

“For the benefit of all humanity

Create a beautiful world that’s

Made for you and me

Where we all live in peace “

                                                         - One Dream One Korea

References:

HACD lecture videos, news card slides

HACD Instagram

Google search on Hongik Ingan

Wikipedia, Hongik Ingan , https://www.hyunjinmoon.com/what-is-hongik-ingan/

Samguk Yusa , “Ancient Joseon” (Translated by JSD Sangsaeng Cultural Research Institute)

In the Book of Wei, it is written, “Two thousand years ago, Dangun Wanggeom established a nation named ‘Joseon’ and made Asadal his capital. This coincided with the era of Emperor  Yao’s reign.”

The Gogi (Ancient Records) records:

“The Hwanguk nation existed long ago. Hwanung of Seojabu aspired to save all under heaven and bring deliverance to the human world.

“Perceiving his son’s aspiration, Hwanin, ruler of Hwanguk, gazed upon Mt. Sanwei and Mt. Taebaeksan and deemed both suitable for the fostering wide-reaching benefits for humanity.

“Hwanin thus granted his son Hwanung the Heavenly Emblems and Seal—the Three Treasures—then sent him forth to rule this region.

“Hwanung led three thousand people down to the foot of the Divine Tree on the summit of Mt. Taebaeksan. He named this place ‘Sinsi’ (“Divine City”), and he was called ‘Heavenly Emperor Hwanung.’ 

“Hwanung led the Pungbaek, Usa, and Unsa, as well as the ministers of agriculture, imperial decrees, law, health, and morality, in overseeing more than 360 realms of human affairs. 

He ruled and enlightened the people of the world with the truth of Spirit Teaching.

“During this period, the Bear Clan and Tiger Clan, who lived in the same region, continually beseeched the divine Hwanung to change them into ideal human beings. 

“In response, Hwanung gave them divine items, which were a bundle of mugwort and twenty cloves of garlic, and he commanded, ‘Eat these and avoid the sunlight for one hundred days. If you do, you will become ideal humans.’ 

“The Bear Clan and Tiger Clan disciplined themselves for three seven-day periods spanning twenty-one days, consuming only the mugwort and garlic. The Bear Clan members became ideal women. But the Tiger Clan failed to comply with the precepts and did not attain ideal human form.

“Thereafter, a woman of the Bear Clan, lacking any ideal man to marry, came to the foot of the Divine Tree daily and prayed to be blessed with a baby. Hence, Hwanung granted her provisional acceptance into the Hwan people, married her, and begot with her a son: Dangun Wanggeom.

“Dangun Wanggeom named his nation ‘Joseon’ and established its capital in Pyeongyang seong. This was during the year of the White Tiger, fifty years after Emperor Yao began his rule. The capital was moved to Asadal at Mt. Baekaksan, also known as Mt. Gungholsan (Mt. Bangholsan) or Geummidal. From Asadal, Dangun Wanggeom ruled the nation for 1500 years.

제2조(교육이념)

교육은 홍익인간(홍익인간, Hongik Ingan)의 이념 아래 모든 국민으로 하여금 인격을 도야(도야)하고 자주적 생활능력과 민주시민으로서 필요한 자질을 갖추게 함으로써 인간다운 삶을 영위하게 하고 민주국가의 발전과 인류공영(인류공영)의 이상을 실현하는 데에 이바지하게 함을 목적으로 한다.

[전문개정 2007.12.21]

In article 2 of Korean Education Act, the Hongik Ingan simply translated as the humanitarian ideal. 

 

Source: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=103005&p_classification=09

According to Article 2 of the Education Act enacted and promulgated as Act No. 86 on December 31, 1949, “Education enables all citizens to perfect their character under the ideology of Hongik Ingan, acquires the ability to live independently and develops the qualities of a citizen, and promotes the development of a democratic nation. It aims to contribute to the realization of the ideal of common prosperity for mankind by serving the world”.