Mental Health of Psychiatrists: II. Confucian Mind Cultivation Methods
10.22722/KJPM.2025.33.2.41
- Author:
Ji Young SONG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Sacred Heart General Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Special Articles
- From:Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
2025;33(2):41-53
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The author reinterpreted the literature on mind cultivation emphasized in Confucianism from the perspective of a psychiatrist, and attempted to systematize the method of cultivation in a way that is easy for psychiatrists to understand. This paper introduced Confucian mind cultivation as a self-care technique for psychiatrists to improve their mental health. In Confucianism, mind cultivation is a fundamental and prioritized principle.While Confucianism served as the ideology of political and social order during the Joseon Dynasty, it became dogmatic and its etiquette became rigid, leading to its decline in public interest in modern times. As a psychiatrist, the author recognized the need for mind cultivation and, while exploring various methods, discovered that mind cultivation based on Confucian theories of mind cultivation possesses precise logic and emphasizes practical application in real life, not mere words or arguments. This method is not simply a relic of the past, but can be a valuable mind cultivation method applicable to the present and future. The ideology of recovering one'strue nature through self-reflection and introspection, pursuing higher values that connect with heaven, and ulti-mately dedicating oneself to society, is distinct from other self-care techniques. It is not a method for temporarily alleviating symptoms or discomfort, but rather a study that transforms one's innate nature and strives towardbecoming an ideal person. The content of this method of self-cultivation appears simple at first glance. Howev-er, practicing it is by no means easy. It is a lifelong endeavor. The Confucian mind cultivation methods presented here is merely a draft. Its contents will need to be revised and supplemented through future implementation.
