A Study on the Meaning of ‘Human Affairs’ in Daesoon Thought: Focusing on Its Relation to ‘the Way of Heaven’

The ideological context of the Unity of Heaven and Humankind (天人合一) is useful as an approach to understanding the meaning of 'human affairs (人事)' in Daesoon Thought. In Daesoon Thought, the meaning of 'human affairs' occurs within the context of 'the Way of humans (人道)' being based upon 'the Way of Heaven (天道).' However, in Daesoon Thought, the characteristic of 'the Way of Heaven' originates from the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven (上帝) and His Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth (天地公事). Specifically, this entails the principle of 'what is devised by humanity (謀事在人), is achieved by Heaven (成事在天),' which is inverted to become 'what is devised by Heaven (謀事在天), is achieved by humanity (成事在人).' This is the principle of 'human affairs' that is revealed as the relationship between Humanity and Heaven is newly defined. In addition, the newly changed relationship between Humanity and Heaven is presented as the principle of 'divine beings and human beings mutually guide one another (神人依導).' This principle clearly expresses 'human affairs' in the context of Daesoon Thought. Accordingly, the two directions in which 'human affairs' are completed are expressed as two stages: spiritual enlightenment (靈通) and the Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings (神人調化). These two directions in which 'human affairs' pursues 'the Way of Heaven' show a depth beyond just encompassing transcendence and immanence. The relationship between 'the Way of Heaven' and the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven, in particular, is a useful point for appreciating the how the meaning of 'human affairs' in Daesoon Thought differs from other uses of the term which occur elsewhere.