A Scripture of Cosmic Principles and Human Essence
Cheonbugyeong (天符經) is an ancient Korean scripture that encapsulates philosophical thoughts on the principles of the universe and the essence of humanity. Associated with the myth of Dangun, it is considered a divine teaching received by Hwanung to govern the human world. In its concise 81 characters, Cheonbugyeong conveys profound cosmic truths and the foundational principles of human existence, showcasing the quintessence of Eastern philosophy.
The Original Text of Cheonbugyeong and Panum’s Song
The original text of Cheonbugyeong reads as follows:
一始無始一 析三極 無盡本 天一一 地一二 人一三 一積十碩 無桶化三 天二三 地二三 人二三 大三合六生 七八九運 三四七本 一二三成 干支一終無終一
Interpretation (Traditional)
- 一始無始一 (Il Si Mu Si Il): From one began all, yet the beginning has no origin. The one is eternal, with neither beginning nor end.
- 析三極 無盡本 (Seok Sam Geuk Mu Jin Bon): The three fundamentals (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity) can be divided, yet their essence is infinite.
- 天一一 地一二 人一三 (Cheon Il Il Ji Il Yi In Il Sam): Heaven is one, Earth is two, and Humanity is three, representing the Three Powers (三才).
- 一積十碩 無桶化三 (Il Jeok Sip Geo Mu Gwi Hwa Sam): The accumulation of one becomes ten; infinite change returns to three.
- 天二三 地二三 人二三 (Cheon Yi Sam Ji Yi Sam In Yi Sam): Heaven, Earth, and Humanity form a triad, achieving harmony.
- 大三合六生 七八九運 (Dae Sam Hap Yuk Saeng Chil Pal Gu Un): The great three combine to create six; they progress to seven, eight, and nine in cyclical motion.
- 三四七本 一二三成 (Sam Sa Chil Bon Il Yi Sam Seong): Three, four, and seven form the foundation; one, two, and three achieve completion.
- 干支一終無終一 (Gan Ji Il Jong Mu Jong Il): The celestial order begins with one and returns eternally to one.
Panum’s Song: Ooahan JS’s Reinterpretation of Cheonbugyeong
- “There is no beginning to the one; that itself is the beginning. Though it divides into three, it remains unchanging.”
- “Heaven moves to become Earth, yet nothing truly moves.”
- “When Heaven, Earth, and Humanity unite, they become three yet remain one.”
- “When three move within the one, only three unfold.”
- “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity split into two and then three.”
- “When four and five merge to form six, seven, eight, and nine emerge.”
- “Three move and transform into four, as five revolves to make seven unfold into one.”
- “Through this, the world and humanity appear.”
- “The heart of humanity becomes the sun, illuminating the entire cosmos.”
- “All things unite to reach the ultimate end, becoming beings of light.”
This reinterpretation by Ooahan JS breathes new life into the ancient text, reimagining it within the narrative framework of the Batal Stone series. Panum’s song inspires courage and hope in children while reflecting the harmony and cyclical philosophy of Cheonbugyeong.
Philosophical Implications of Cheonbugyeong
Cheonbugyeong is not merely a scriptural text but a repository of profound philosophy and cosmology. It provides insights into the universal principles of balance, the harmony of nature and humanity, and the cyclical nature of existence.
The Three Powers (三才) and Harmony
Cheonbugyeong emphasizes the triadic balance of Heaven (天), Earth (地), and Humanity (人). This core concept reflects the Eastern philosophical pursuit of equilibrium between nature and human life.
The Origin of Oneness
The phrase “Il Si Mu Si Il” signifies that everything stems from a singular origin. This reflects the Eastern philosophical principle that the universe and humanity are interconnected and inseparable.
Cycles and Transformation
Cheonbugyeong describes the universe and humanity undergoing cycles of birth (生), growth (成), and convergence (收). This aligns with modern scientific principles of energy conservation and transformation.
Connections Between Cheonbugyeong and Eastern Philosophy
Cheonbugyeong is deeply interconnected with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, illustrating the essence of Eastern thought.
- Confucianism: The triadic concept of harmony in Cheonbugyeong resonates with Confucian ideals of balance between humanity, nature, and the cosmos.
- Buddhism: The doctrine of dependent origination in Buddhism, which states that all beings are interconnected, aligns with the “Il Si Mu Si Il” philosophy of Cheonbugyeong.
- Taoism: The cyclical principles of Cheonbugyeong echo Taoism’s emphasis on wu wei (無為), the natural flow of the universe.
Cheonbugyeong in the Batal Stone Narrative
“Do not fear, children. When the three within the one begin to move, the ultimate three will unfold. That is when you must protect the sun from the final black dragon. So sing the heavenly song with all your might. Understand?”
Panum’s gentle words calmed the children’s anxiety. One child stood up, clapping and singing:
“There is no beginning to the one; that itself is the beginning. Though it divides into three, it remains unchanging.”
Gradually, the other children joined, their voices rising in unity and courage. Panum smiled as he turned to Barun and Oun, who returned his gaze with reassuring smiles.
“The seeds are what matter,” Panum whispered. “That’s why I planted them in you for the future. Thank you for staying by my side.”
Cheonbugyeong serves as a foundational inspiration for the Batal Stone narrative. Reinterpreted as Panum’s song, it transcends its ancient roots, weaving seamlessly into the series’ core. The philosophy embodied in Cheonbugyeong shapes the heroes’ journeys, illustrating how courage and hope can overcome fear and chaos.
Cheonbugyeong is not just an ancient text but a profound exploration of human existence and cosmic order. Its succinct phrases encapsulate timeless wisdom, offering meaningful insights even in contemporary contexts. In the Batal Stone series, Cheonbugyeong’s reinterpretation bridges ancient philosophy with modern storytelling, providing a narrative backbone and inspiring readers to reflect on the harmony and cycles of the universe. This ancient wisdom continues to serve as a beacon of guidance, illuminating paths in the complexities of modern life.
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