Introduction
Understanding Cheondoism
The Donghak movement, "Oriental Knowledge", was born in the face of social crises, foreign presence and "Western knowledge." It taught that Heaven lies at the heart of every person, founding dignity and equality.
Choe Je-u reported a revelation in 1860 and was executed in 1864.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- The Donghak movement, "Oriental Knowledge", was born in the face of social crises, foreign presence and "Western knowledge".
- Choe Je-u reported a revelation in 1860 and was executed in 1864.
- The divine is not only external: serving every human with respect is to serve Heaven.
- recognizing Heaven in every person turns spirituality into a requirement of equality and justice.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Choe Je-u reported a revelation in 1860 and was executed in 1864.
Historical developments
His successor Choe Si-hyeong organized the movement.
Ritual life and teachings
The divine is not only external: serving every human with respect is to serve Heaven.
A living and plural tradition
Farmers linked to Donghak rose in 1894 against corruption and foreign domination.
History and development
Choe Je-u reported a revelation in 1860 and was executed in 1864. His successor Choe Si-hyeong organized the movement. Farmers linked to Donghak rose in 1894 against corruption and foreign domination.
In 1905, Son Byeong-hui adopted the name Cheondogyo. Members actively participated in the independence movement of March 1, 1919.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
The divine is not only external: serving every human with respect is a service to Heaven. Discipline includes recitation of a formula of twenty-one characters, pure water as an offering, meetings, study and moral action.
The world can be transformed by internal and social renewal.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Donggyeong Daejeon, Yongdam Yusa and writings of successive leaders. Symbols: Heaven, pure water and circular representation of unity.
The forms now differ between South Korea and North Korea.
What research can and cannot say
Cheondoism is both religion, reform movement and national actor. Historians distinguish its doctrines from subsequent political usages.
References