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영어

This paper presents a new interpretation of “Gimhyeongamho” through the symbols of language and the symbolism of yin-yang and the five elements (Wu Xing). To achieve this, the content of “Gimhyeongamho” was examined through the binary oppositions of presence and absence of change, and presence and absence of fruition. Through this binary structure, it was confirmed that while a life of repetitive routine does not bring about change or yield any fruits, making changes through self-reflection and a resolute will for self-healing can create new outcomes. These changes are attributed to the dynamism of yin and yang present in all things. The dynamism of yin and yang is expressed through the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, which bring about the cycle of growth, prosperity, decline, and dormancy in nature. This cycle is the mode of existence for all beings. These changes are not merely blind repetitive movements, but the result of constant internal dynamism. In “Gimhyeongamho,” the wood movement corresponds to the act of circumambulating the pagoda at Heungnyun Temple, the meeting of Kim Hyeon and the maiden tiger, and the presence of the full moon. The fire movement is represented by Kim Hyeon's visit to the maiden tiger's home and receiving the heavenly mandate. The earth movement includes the maiden tiger deciding to die upon receiving the heavenly mandate. The metal movement corresponds to the maiden tiger taking her own life with Kim Hyeon's sword, and the water movement is symbolized by the sound of the conch and trumpet at Heungnyun Temple and the writing of the text “Nonhorim” by Kim Hyeon. These changes are driven by the life force that seeks to preserve itself, but they extend beyond mere self-healing and preservation, leading to a transformative force that influences the entire interconnected system, fostering mutual survival. The force that enables such mutual survival is the energy of mutual overcoming, or “sanggeuk.” The maiden tiger chose to change in order to live her life, and this change not only transformed herself but also the world around her. Additionally, through the resolution and action to overcome herself, she saved the world and herself. The perspective of the maiden tiger resides in the principles of the universe and the realm of truth. This truth is the constant cycle of life, and the interplay of mutual survival and mutual overcoming.