공자의 군자삼계(君子三戒)에 관한 연구

초록

he purpose of this study is to analyze the meaning and value of the three precepts suggested by Confucius’s "Three Precepts of the Junzi" (君子三戒; Junzi Sanjie) in terms of self-cultivation, and to identify their modern implications. In Confucianism, a "Junzi (君子)" refers to a person who ceaselessly pursues truth to perfect inner virtue, and based on that practical strength, achieves harmony with others to realize the well-being of the community. Confucius believed that there are three things a Junzi must guard against according to the stages of life development. First, during adolescence when vitality is unstable, one must guard against "Se" (色), which refers to sensual pleasures and sexual impulses. Second, during middle age, one must guard against recklessness, which is prone to manifest when vitality is vigorous, and refrain from private disputes and conflicts. Third, during old age when vitality is waning, one must guard against attachment to possessions and greed. Confucius’s “Three Precepts of the Junzi” (君子三戒) offer three important implications for modern society. First, by promoting self-cultivation and personal growth appropriate to each stage of life, it awakens the wisdom of “Shijung” (時中; the middle way), which involves maintaining a timely attitude in a rapidly changing modern society. Furthermore, it presents a socio-ethical imperative to reject struggles driven by self-interest and instead seek mutual respect and coexistence. Lastly, it emphasizes that a sense of community can be fostered through the practice of sharing in old age.

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