ABSTRACT

“Chin-ssu Iu (近思錄)” is a book written by Chinese Song Dynasty scholars Zhū Xǐ (朱憙) and Lǚ Zǔ-qiān (呂祖謙), and it contains the life principles of asking earnestly about one’s nature and of practicing what is closest in daily life. Focusing on the Chonyang (存養) section of the “Chin-ssu Iu” in this article, the meaning of a wise life in old age was explored through the self-cultivation of old age, that is, managing the mind or reflecting on one’s inner self. As a result of the exploration, the principles of wise old age living were largely summarized in three categories. These were the principles of ① a neutral posture (中) suitable for managing physical and mental health, ② self-cultivation with a lifelong learning attitude, and ③ cultivating oneself with an attitude of respect and consideration to maintain good relations with others. The significance of this article is that, based on the wisdom of saints contained in Chin-ssu Iu, it enables the younger generation, including those who have just reached old age, to look into the future and find an image of a human being who can lead a wise life.