Daesoon Truth’s Wonshibanbon Doctrine and the Horizon of Life Aesthetics in Terms of a Byeontong Worldview

This article begins from the question of how the value-orientation of Daesoon Thought can best be understood. The answer reveals it is closely associated with the character of Daesoon Truth. The Late Joseon Dynasty attempted to resolve the task of modernization, and address the hardships, complaints and inequality experienced by trouble people both at home and abroad. The new religious dogma of Daesoon Thought began with the agenda of this era. For Daesoon Thought, this agenda and its solutions were perceived via Daesoon Truth. The world of Daesoon Truth can be illuminated in the following three dimensions: the Great Itineration of the world (天下大巡), the Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth (天地公事), and the Earthly Paradise (地上仙境). This worldview stems from the conscious experience of wonshibanbon (原始返本 seeking the beginning and returning to the original root), which is the premise of the Great Opening of the Later World (後天開闢) and the purpose of the Earthly Paradise. Daesoon Thought approaches this from a one-yin-one-yang perspective of life-consciousness in line with the Byeontong (變通 adaptive) worldview observable in The Book of Changes. This approach is based upon the collective consensus of universal empathy and the bonds of community. Furthermore, this represents a sustainable world that supports the experience of the modern direction of people’s livelihood, reputation, and rights. According to Daesoon Thought, humanity’s future could overcome the bondage of the Former World to join with shinmyeong (神明 great deities) such that humankind will gain control over the Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity as they succeed at implementing Haewon (解冤 grievance-resolution). This is a human aspiration that seeks a modern renovation of human consciousness. In conclusion, Dasoon Truth’s wonshibanbon doctrine is oriented toward a style of life aesthetics that integrates one-yin-one-yang to guide the people in the task of securing their livelihoods while resisting feudalism and imperialism.