Chondogyo Scripture

Chondogyo is a unique and indigenous religion of Korea founded in 1860 by Choe Je-u, better known as Suun, his pen name. Chondogyo means "the Religion of Heavenly Way." Originally called Donghak, meaning "Eastern leaning," the religious movement is regarded as one of the most important in Korean history, with a particular impact on modern Korean society and politics. Its scripture has played a foundational and essential role in the belief system of Chondogyo, containing Suun's ideas about God, man, and the world, as well as his own religious experience. This translation represents the only complete translation of Donggyeong Daejeon with notes in English. The study of Chondogyo has been limited in the West due to its lack of circulation in Western languages. With this translation, a main part of the Chondogyo literature is available to the worldwide community of scholars and students engaged in the study of this important Korean religion. This work, therefore, makes a significant contribution to the scholarship of world religions.

“This work is an excellent translation of the main scripture of Chondogyo, a unique Korean religion that exerted a significant influence on the religious, social, and political dynamics of the 19th-20th century Korea…It also includes a brief history of Chondogyo, an explanation of the main concepts and terms used in this scripture, and a glossary to aid readers who are unfamiliar with religious movement. This translation is clear and lucid, and is a remarkable contribution to the understanding of the basics of Chondogyo.”

-- Young-Chan Ro, Chair of Religious Studies and Director of the Korean Studies Center, George Mason University

Dr. Kim is Professor Emeritus of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Rhode Island, and is author of The Ch'ondogyo Concept of Man and Oriental Thought. He is also a consulting editor and an author of Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy. Dr. Yoon is Professor of Korean Literature at Hanyang University in Korea and has authored several books on Chondogyo/Donghak in Korean. One of his books, Chondogyo: The Religion of the Cosmos that Blossomed in Korea, is translated into English.

Chondogyo is a unique and indigenous religion of Korea founded in 1860 by Choe Je-u, better known as Suun, his pen name. Chondogyo means "the Religion of Heavenly Way." Originally called Donghak, meaning "Eastern leaning," the religious movement is regarded as one of the most important in Korean history, with a particular impact on modern Korean society and politics. Its scripture has played a foundational and essential role in the belief system of Chondogyo, containing Suun's ideas about God, man, and the world, as well as his own religious experience. This translation represents the only complete translation of Donggyeong Daejeon with notes in English. The study of Chondogyo has been limited in the West due to its lack of circulation in Western languages. With this translation, a main part of the Chondogyo literature is available to the worldwide community of scholars and students engaged in the study of this important Korean religion. This work, therefore, makes a significant contribution to the scholarship of world religions.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.