The purpose of this study is to analyze the contents and features of the books on Shang shu (The “Book of Documents”) from Yeon-gyeongjae jeonjip written by Sung Hae-eung in order to investigate what the studies on Shang Shu by Sung Hae-eung aimed for.
In order to help with the understanding of Sung Hae-eung’s Shang Shu studies, Sung Hae-eung’s academic background and his perception on Neo-Confucianism and exegetical studies were analyzed, and his outlook on the studies of Chinese classics was defined as the HanSong-gyeomchwiron focusing on exegetical studies.
Using the literary critique methods of Sung Hae-eung, the history of Shang Shu studies were researched or the authenticity of the Wei Guwen Shang Shu Kong Zhuan of Mei Ze was discussed. He studied the history of Shang Shu studies of Han China and wrote the ‘Shang Shu Jeonsubo’ to identify the status of appearance, trends and reality of the Gu wen Shang Shu (Old-Text Documents). He found that there was little difference in contents between the Gu Wen Shang Shu and Jin Wen Shang Shu (Next-Text Documents), and also revealed that the characters in the Gu Wen schools and Jin Wen schools changed their scriptures to study.
Sung Hae-eung attempted to restore the original Shang Shu by using various literature from pre-Han Dynasty eras. He wanted to revise the index of Shang Shu and revealed the artificial alterations of the Shang Shu scriptures, while refuting the Nakseo-geunwon Theory of HongBeom. Sung Hae-eung utilized the Xiping Shijing, Shuowenjiezi and various literature from Han China in his efforts to restore the loss volumes and missing letters.
Sung Hae-eung accepted that the Wei Gu Wen Shang Shu Kong Zhuan was a false writing, but accepted the implications and value as scriptures, and when restoring the current Buddhist scriptures and other writings, he did not come to a judgment on which one was right. When the contents that he restored had differences in interpretation with Shujizhen of Cai Chen, he tried to help with the interpretation of the sutras by adding footnotes of Ma Rong and Zheng Xuan. By doing so, Sung Hae-eung attempted to restore the original scriptures to explore the essence of saints.