Confucian Civilisation

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The Myeonghan Realm is the foremost Confucian micronation in the world and a custodian of human civilisation-at-large.

Confucian civilisation shines as a guiding light of moral excellence and unity, standing out as superior to other societies for multiple reasons. 

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The Realm's cultural heritage, focusing on education, respect for family, and ethical development, lays the groundwork for a well-structured community. Through the timeless wisdom of Sage Confucius and the teachings of revered sages and scholars of exemplary character, the Realm has restored a tradition of ethical leadership, reverence for the virtuous, and the significance of familial values.

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In contrast to civilisations that prioritise self-interest or material wealth, Confucian society places a significant emphasis on the common good and collective welfare. The Realm's ceremonies, customs, and music are designed to uplift moral character and nurture a sense of community and shared obligations.

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Furthermore, the enduring strength and longevity of Confucian civilisation over millennia bear witness to the lasting significance of Confucian principles in fostering societal harmony and steadiness. By cherishing the virtues of humaneness, justice, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, Confucian civilisation offers a pathway to a fairer and more balanced society, where individuals are motivated to carry out their responsibilities with grace and honour.

THE CHAIR OF SAGE PAUL

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Supreme Patriarch Seo Gwang-gye (양명학  서광계) (1562-1633), commonly known as Paul Hsu, was a prominent polymath of the Myeong Empire: a Confucian scholar-official of the Yangmyeong tradition (양명학), statesman, scientist, and mathematician. He gained recognition for his exceptional mathematical skills and became a trusted advisor to the Myeong emperor. Hsu was crucial in promoting agricultural reforms and collaborated with Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) to introduce Western scientific knowledge to the Far East. 

As a devout Catholic Christian, Seo also worked to bridge the gap between Confucianism and Christianity. His achievements and dedication to scientific innovation left a lasting impact on East Asian society. In 1630, three years before his death, Seo, then aged 69, was appointed Supreme Patriarch (서광계) by the Sungjeong Emperor (숭정제) as celebrant of the sacred rites of the Myeong Empire. Paul Hsu's legacy as a scholar, statesman, spiritual leader, and advocate for cultural exchange continues to inspire generations.

Earlier in his political career, Sage Paul had proposed a policy aimed at protecting the Imperial Myeong Kingdom of Joseon from the threat of the Jurchen (later renamed 'Manchu') nomads, who later formed the Manchu Daecheongguk (대청국), which assassinated the last Myeong emperor in 1662 and illegitimately claimed the mandate of Heaven. Sage Paul's proposed policy strengthened the alliance and military cooperation between the Myeong and Joseon realms. He advocated for increased military presence along the border, fortifying key strategic points, and establishing a joint defense system. This approach aimed to deter potential invasions and provide a strong defense against the Manchus.

Additionally, Sage Paul emphasised the importance of maintaining friendly diplomatic relations with Hanseong. He proposed fostering cultural and economic exchanges to strengthen the ties between the two realms. 

HIS SAGELINESS THE SUPREME PATRIARCH OF THE MYEONGHAN REALM

The Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages (유교 최고 평의회) of the Myeonghan Realm is the highest body in charge of Confucian doctrine, led by the Supreme Patriarch as the head of this impartial community of Confucian scholars and serves as the spiritual leader of the Realm, who provides ritual support to the Imperial House, promotes Confucianism in Myeonghan society and beyond, and ensures that all laws and policies align with Confucian ethics to a substantial extent.

The seat of the Supreme Patriarch (양명학), known as the Chair of Sage Paul (성현 보록 성좌) is attached to the New Seonggyungwan Basilica (신 성균관 대성전). The Supreme Council advises the Monarch on his speeches and decrees, following the Constitution and the doctrines of Confucianism. If requested, the Supreme Council may also provide input on proposed policies to ensure their compatibility with Confucian values, as requested by the Prime Minister. The Supreme Council  is made up of all senior prelates of the Realm called 'Counselors,' who elect amongst themselves the Supreme Patriarch (대종백), according to ancient Confucian tradition traceable back to the Ju Dynasty (1046 BC – 256 BC).  ​

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In January Seongchi 2 (2024), The Rt Hon Lord Kong PC (공리만) (left), HG The Duke of Yeonseong (연성공), was elected as His Sageliness Supreme Patriarch Jumang Polok (대종백 유망보록) to serve an indefinite term. The Chair of Sage Paul or the Sagely See, located in The New Seonggyungwan Basilica, is a legal entity that designates the current residence of the Supreme Patriarch. This See is named after Sage Paul Hsu.

DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF COUNSELORS

The Dean of the College of Counselors is a high-ranking Confucian prelate in the Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages, second only to the Supreme Patriarch, and holds the title of Lord Patriarch (소고요). This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the activities of the College, a group of senior clerics who advise the Supreme Patriarch and participate in the election of a new Supreme Patriarch when necessary. 

The Dean presides over the College and is responsible for convening and presiding over its meetings. The Dean plays a prominent role in assisting the Supreme Patriarch during rituals and ceremonies. He may, with the authorisation of HM The Emperor, perform a sacrifice of praise to Heaven. Additionally, the Dean may represent the College of Counselors on various occasions and perform certain administrative tasks related to the College. 

The incumbent Dean is His Eminence Yi-lak Counselor Muk (목이락) (The Rt Hon Lord Muk LC PC, HG The Duke of Yeongguk). His titular shrine is The Shrine of Sage Goyo (고요)

BECOME A SAGE. NOW.

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Becoming a sage is not like a goal that can never be met. Sage Mencius has confirmed that 'every person can become a sage.' A sage is an individual who has attained a tremendous understanding of transcendental moral reality and who acts in accordance with their innate knowledge of right and wrong. 

Every person, poor or rich, powerless or powerful, has an intuitive knowledge of moral truths. Such intuitive knowledge is often obstructed by concupiscence and excessive desires. To recover one's original, all-good, heartmind, one must self-cultivate through self-reflection and self-discipline. The heartmind of the sage is one that has achieved unity and harmony within oneself and with the universe.

Why should we become a sage? Because: (1) We will attain inner peace and harmony: a sage is someone who has achieved a deep sense of inner peace and harmony, and who is able to maintain equanimity in the face of adversity; (2) We will take up moral authority: a sage is someone who is respected and admired for their moral integrity and wisdom, and who has the ability to inspire others to lead virtuous lives; (3) We will be able to exercise social influence responsibly: a sage is someone who has the ability to influence others and to bring about positive change in society; (4) We will reach an enlightened level of personal flourishing: becoming a sage is seen as the fulfillment of human potential, and as a source of great personal satisfaction and flourishing. Overall, the quest of becoming a sage is a most rewarding path towards living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

​Confucian-Mencian-Yangmyeongism

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The Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages broadly adheres to the interpretation of sagely doctrine (성학) by the preeminent Myeong Empire statesman, philosopher, and military hero Sage Wang Yangmyeong (왕수인) (1472-1529), the Earl of Singeong (신건백), which emphasises that every person has an innate moral conscience (양지) that can guide him towards doing what is right, and underscores the unity of conscience and action (지행합일): that true understanding is only achieved through action and that, in a similar vein, one cannot fully comprehend a moral concept until they have experienced it through action, especially self-cultivation, which involves constantly reflecting on one's own thoughts and actions and striving to improve oneself.

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Confucian-Mencian-Yangmyeongism (양명학) embraces the idea of 'extensionality' (만물일체), that is, the mind and the world are interconnected, such that our thoughts and actions have an impact on the world around us, and that the world can also shape our thoughts and actions. It follows that we should be aware of our impact on the world and strive to act in a way that benefits others. The following principles capture the tenets of Confucian doctrine seen through the lens of Wang Yangmyeong's work:

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