• A Work of Renewal for China’s Destiny
  • One day, Sahng-jeh-nim said to Shin Wun-il and Chey Duk-gyum, “Today, I will begin the work of renewal for China’s destiny.
  • Clean the small room in Duk-chahn’s house and stay inside it for seven days.
  • Do not leave the room. I want each of you to impartially decide on the best fate for China. Your decision will determine China’s future.”
  • They considered the matter most carefully for seven days as they were ordered.
  • After the seven days had passed, Sahng-jeh-nim asked, “Wun-il, what have you decided?”
    He answered, “The Qing dynasty’s reign is in ruins. China is under attack from power-hungry countries and its people have nowhere to turn.
  • Heaven has given us this opportunity. Using Your almighty power, bring peace to these people and ascend the throne as the emperor of China.
  • It is said, ‘If you do not accept what heaven bestows upon you, you instead meet disaster.’”
  • Without responding to this, Sahng-jeh-nim asked Duk-gyum, “How did you decide?”
  • Though he had thought about the matter for seven days, Duk-gyum could not come to a decision, but as Sahng-jeh-nim spoke, it suddenly came to him.
  • 10 Duk-gyum said, “The Ming dynasty of China was vast and plentiful. It was second to none. Its etiquette, music, and scholarship were exceptional.
  • 11 But they had to surrender to the people of the Qing dynasty, whom they thought of as barbarians. How could this not have caused them bitterness and grief?
  • 12 I believe it is right to let them reclaim their land and sovereignty.”
  • 13 Sahng-jeh-nim slapped His knee and applauded Duk-gyum. “You have, indeed, made the right decision. In accordance with this verdict, China will regain its sovereignty.”
  • China’s Prosperity Brings Korea’s Prosperity
  • 14 Wun-il complained, “If You focus Your work on relieving the Ming dynasty’s grief, what will You do for our own country?”
  • 15 “The Chinese people must prosper for us to prosper,” Sahng-jeh-nim said.
  • 16 “Because China had received tributes from Korea for a long time, twenty-five years from now, the spirit of gratitude will come here from China.”
  • A Ruler Must Come from a Country’s Own People
  • 17 On another occasion, Wun-il said, “China is now in chaos and its people suffer extreme hardship. Please, with Your boundless power, save these suffering people and take the throne.”
  • 18 “Administrators can come from other countries,” Sahng-jeh-nim explained, “but the ruler must come from a country’s own people. Only then will there be no more outcries of bitterness and grief.”

  • (JSD Dojeon 5,235)




    No Records.