The Nine Cloud Dream: A Deep Analysis
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Event Website
https://source2022.sched.com/
Start Date
19-5-2022
End Date
19-5-2022
Keywords
Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, Politics
Abstract
For my presentation, I will be analyzing what is considered the greatest classic novel out of Korea, The Nine Cloud Dream by Kim Man-Jung (1637-1692). Following the journey of a monk, he will come across 8 fairy maidens, each representing some sort of temptation, he then undergoes an unusual punishment of reincarnation into the most ideal man. This is a punishment for his doubting Buddha’s teachings. I will uncover the meaning behind each fairy maiden’s purpose in this monk’s journey and relate these experiences to his final enlightenment to comprehending the fundamental teachings of Buddha while also tying in a bit of Confucius’ teachings, which is a large part of Kim Man-Jung’s expertise, more specifically neo-Confucianism, as this is the form of Confucian teachings followed in Korea. Another aspect to the book I will cover would be political, considering this book is during the Joseon Dynasty under the reign of King Suk Jong. Getting an understanding of the politics at this time, as well as the religious factors previously mentioned, will show Korea in one of its earlier days, allowing me to make comparisons between past and present Korea (South).
Recommended Citation
Cruz-Morales, Ajah, "The Nine Cloud Dream: A Deep Analysis" (2022). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 7.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/7
Department/Program
Asian Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Asian Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Philosophy
The Nine Cloud Dream: A Deep Analysis
For my presentation, I will be analyzing what is considered the greatest classic novel out of Korea, The Nine Cloud Dream by Kim Man-Jung (1637-1692). Following the journey of a monk, he will come across 8 fairy maidens, each representing some sort of temptation, he then undergoes an unusual punishment of reincarnation into the most ideal man. This is a punishment for his doubting Buddha’s teachings. I will uncover the meaning behind each fairy maiden’s purpose in this monk’s journey and relate these experiences to his final enlightenment to comprehending the fundamental teachings of Buddha while also tying in a bit of Confucius’ teachings, which is a large part of Kim Man-Jung’s expertise, more specifically neo-Confucianism, as this is the form of Confucian teachings followed in Korea. Another aspect to the book I will cover would be political, considering this book is during the Joseon Dynasty under the reign of King Suk Jong. Getting an understanding of the politics at this time, as well as the religious factors previously mentioned, will show Korea in one of its earlier days, allowing me to make comparisons between past and present Korea (South).
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/7
Faculty Mentor(s)
Chong Eun Ahn, Jeffrey Dippmann