THE CIVILISING MISSION
문명화 사명
In educating people, there should be no discrimination.
CUSTODIAN OF HUMAN CIVILISATION
Human civilisation teeters on the brink of oblivion, engulfed by chaos and decay on a global scale. An era of lawlessness, unchecked materialism, pervasive deceit, eroding values, crumbling education, suffocating political correctness, ugly art and architecture, environmental ruin, and an obsession with greed, violence, self-indulgence, and moral decay has taken hold. The fabric of society frays as hierarchy is scorned, merit is ridiculed, hard work is neglected, families are forsaken, elders are dishonored, and discord festers unchecked, sealing the fate of humanity's downfall.
From the ashes, the Myeong Commonwealth emerges as the last bastion of a once noble Confucian civilisation, ordained to safeguard the legacy of millennia of wisdom and culture. In a world starved of virtue and harmony, the Commonwealth stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for the revival of moral values, the preservation of tradition, and nurturing a righteous society.
With solemn resolve, the Myeong Commonwealth vows to restore order, revive true artistry, uphold integrity, rekindle faith in the divine, elevate education, defy oppressive ideologies, champion human dignity, fortify families, and exact justice upon betrayers of trust.
Through sacred ceremonies, ancient rites, and celestial melodies, the Myeong Commonwealth seeks to cultivate a society of noble character, where reverence for the Divine is paramount, the Way of the Sages is taken seriously, moral absolutes are upheld, and the culture of death is vanquished. In this new dawn, cancel culture is banished, rights and duties are realigned, and the path to sagehood is illuminated amidst the encroaching darkness of despair.
THE FOUNDING PHILOSOPHY OF
THE MYEONG COMMONWEALTH
The crucial act of christening this emerging confederation as 'Myeong' was founded upon the Commonwealth's civilising mission. In East Asian languages, the character 'Myeong' ( Hanja: 明; Hangul: 명; Ming/Mei/Minh) embodies the essence of light, brilliance, and radiance; a symbol of the very expulsion of darkness and the embracing of illumination of human conscience. It is by the guiding principles of the Sages that we acknowledge the supremacy of the Divine Logos as an objective truth over the whims of our subjective feelings.
The Myeong Commonwealth is a beacon of tomorrow that beckons peoples of diverse origins and continents to its fold. With all the trappings befitting such a stature—a constitution, a legal system, a functional government, the capacity for diplomatic relations, a flag, an anthem, a coat of arms, and more.
At the core of the Commonwealth lies the pursuit of humaneness and harmony on Earth, a noble endeavor to safeguard the precious jewel of human civilisation from the ravages of cultural and physical strife. Uniquely, the Myeong Commonwealth is distinguished by its philosophical commitment to the service of all humanity.
Barbaric states are those that systemically act godlessly, inhumanely, unjustly, ritually improperly, unwisely, or trustlessly. Civilised states should come together in a commonwealth that acts as a shield against barbarism and uphold the principles that characterise a civilised society. Any civilised state would show humility to other civilised states; civilised states should prioritise their interests over those of barbaric entities.
The Myeong Commonwealth aims first and foremost to cultivate morality and order in human relationships; to shield the civilised from the encroachments of barbarism; and to establish a repository of ethical wisdom and public knowledge that is freely accessible to all, particularly to those in barbaric or formerly civilised regions.
Conversely, barbaric states are those that primarily mistreat their own people in hegemonic ways.
Step forth into the Myeong Commonwealth, where the pursuit of sageliness reigns supreme.
THE FOUR CIVILISING INSTRUMENTS
Classic Poetry
In the writings of old poets, one finds the ability to nurture virtues of meekness, tenderness, truthfulness, and integrity, all the while dispelling folly.
Classic History
In the annals of ancient history, there lies the capacity to foster a comprehensive grasp of the world and wisdom of bygone eras, purging deceit in the process.
Classic Rituals
Through the observance of traditional ceremonies, one can develop qualities of politeness, humility, reverence, and decorum, casting aside unnecessary distractions.
Classic Music
In the harmonies of classical melodies, there exists the potential to cultivate open-mindedness, magnanimity, simplicity, and benevolence, while banishing excess and opulence.
Throughout the annals of time, the Suzerein has governed All-Under-Heaven, and the civilised, dwelling within their realm, have upheld peace over the uncivilised, whilst the uncivilised, residing beyond the frontiers, have ministered to the civilised. It is always unacceptable for the uncivilised to dominate the civilised and govern All-Under-Heaven.
The era of the Ming (1368-1662), nestled between two periods of barbarous conquest, was not an age of darkness, as alleged by its critics. Conceived by the Hongmu Emperor (r. 1368-1398), The Ming Empire—the Commonwealth of Great Illumination—triumphantly dismantled the oppressive regime of Dai Ön ulus (1279-1368) by ousting uncivilised colonialists from Hwaha, shattering the brutal grip of the once-mighty Mongol Empire across the Eurasian continent.
The Ming Empire ushered forth an era of Pax Minga, upholding its timeless vow to refrain from encroaching upon fifteen neighbouring realms; embracing commerce with distant dominions through the tributary system, within which the Empire graciously exchanged imperial treasures as tokens of goodwill. The Ming Emperor, designated as the Son of Heaven and entrusted with the Mandate of Heaven, presided over a Confucian commonwealth, within which a civilisation of humaneness and justice flourished alongside the pursuit of poetry, learning, etiquette, rituals, and sacred music.
Under the auspices of the Yeongnak Emperor (r. 1404-1424), Admiral Jeong Hwa (1371-1433) embarked on seven voyages to the ‘West Oceans,’ reaching as far as the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa; unlike the naval ventures of European powers, the Ming's maritime expeditions were dedicated to nurturing amicable ties and trade, eschewing colonial domination and military subjugation.
The Ming was a time of significant cultural advancement. The global community marveled at the blue-and-white porcelain crafted in imperial kilns, exalting the word ‘Ming’ as a symbol of exquisite ceramics. This period saw a surge in literacy among both sexes, nurturing a diverse literary landscape encompassing science, technology, and the arts. Esteemed literary works like The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, Water Margin, and The Plum in the Golden Vase highlighted the era’s commitment to literary and artistic freedom.
Evidence of tolerance emerged through the eventual formal acknowledgment of the legitimacy of Yangmyeonghak, a bottom-up intellectual movement that underscored individual conscience and the universal call to sagehood, despite the prevailing state-endorsed Jujahak ideology. The Ming witnessed significant scientific advancements in various fields, with esteemed figures like Supreme Patriarch Sage Paul Siu (1562-1663) contributing to the progress of agricultural, astronomical, and technological knowledge. Advanced irrigation techniques, accurate calendars, and the publication of the Yeongnak Encyclopaedia, greatly enhanced East Asian wisdom.
In the ninth year of the reign of the Sungjeong Emperor (1627-1644), the chieftain of the barbaric Manchus usurped the title of ‘emperor,’ and invaded the East Realm twice in less than ten years, insulting King Injo (r. 1623-1649) of Joseon at Namhansan, and in the aftermath, so savagely murdered the Yeonglyeok Emperor (r. 1647-1662) in 1662, terminating the Ming lineage altogether. As the saying goes, after the downfall of the Realm of Great Illumination, Hwaha was no more.
Recall that, verily, the Manchu miscreants not only seized the very heart of civilisation but also decreed degrading mandates to shear the foreheads of men and don repulsive pigtails at the nape of their necks, along with the nomadic Manchu attire throughout their newfound colony.
This led to the retrogression of the civilised into the uncivilised, precipitated by prolonged years of incessant conflict, recurrent ethnic cleansings, the rampant persecution of the literati for ‘speech crimes,’ stifling the nascent roots of capitalism and the enlightenment of the common folk under the liberating teachings of Sage Wang Yangmyeong (1472-1529) and his disciples most notably, enduring no less than two centuries of arrogant supremacy, and the enforced imposition of savage edicts.
‘Following the barbarians’ conquest of Hwaha, lamented King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800) of Joseon, ‘the foul smell of blood has contaminated the seas, and the morals of attire and etiquette of Hwaha had evaporated in a territory of beasts.’
MING CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS
The Ming Empire, spanning from 1368 to 1662, cast a luminous influence upon the cultural tapestry of its devoted ally, the Kingdom of Joseon (1392-1897). A bond forged in the crucible of time, their union birthed a harmonious symphony of tradition and innovation, a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.
At the heart of this illustrious empire lay the Yeongnak Encyclopedia, a monumental testament to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Commissioned by the Yeongnak Emperor (r. 1402-1424) in 1403, this magnum opus stood as a beacon of enlightenment, illuminating the minds of scholars and sages alike with its vast repository of wisdom spanning the realms of agriculture to technology. Within its hallowed pages, the secrets of the universe unfolded, ushering in a new era of intellectual enlightenment and scholarly pursuit.
Yet, the empire's legacy extended far beyond the realms of academia, reaching into the very fabric of daily life. Through the alchemy of innovation, the Ming Empire revolutionised the art of printing, unleashing a torrent of knowledge upon the world. Woodblock colour printing, paper production, and the art of two-colour printing emerged as the heralds of a new age, transforming the dissemination of information and ushering in a renaissance of learning and discovery.
In the realm of personal hygiene, the empire's ingenuity shone brightly with the creation of the bristle toothbrush during the reign of the illustrious Hongchi Emperor (r. 1487-1505) in 1498. A testament to the empire's commitment to health and wellness, this invention marked a significant leap forward in personal care practices, setting a new standard for cleanliness and hygiene across the land.
Furthermore, the Ming Empire's spirit of innovation reached even the vast expanse of the high seas, where the invention of ship rudders revolutionised maritime navigation. Guided by the stars and propelled by the winds of change, these technological marvels propelled the empire's ships across the oceans, forging new trade routes and connecting distant lands in a tapestry of cultural exchange and mutual prosperity.
Thus, the Ming Empire, with its towering achievements and indelible legacy, stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, innovation, and cultural exchange. In the annals of time, its influence continues to echo, a beacon of light in the tapestry of history, guiding generations towards a brighter and more enlightened future.
During the Ming Empire's flourishing cultural and economic hubs, a grand Celestial Realm emerged, extending its influence through trade and exploration. The Silk Roads gave way to maritime routes, ushering in a new era of cultural exchange that reached Mughal India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. Silk, spices, and tea flowed outward, while silver, horses, and exotic fauna returned to the Ming in a vibrant exchange.
The Ming Emperor's commands dispatched the intrepid Jeong Hwa (1371-1433) on seven voyages, forging diplomatic ties and introducing Ming treasures to distant shores. The Ming's exotic offerings of ivory, silk, and porcelain found passage to the Philippines for the Manila Galleon trade, destined for ports in present-day Mexico, with silver returning from the Americas. Sunken ships laden with treasures bear witness to the vast reach of these global interactions during the Ming era.
Foremost among these wonders are the iconic blue-and-white porcelains that came to dominate the ceramic trade from the fourteenth century. While blue-and-white ceramics existed before the Ming Empire, in the Fourteenth Century, Jingdeokjeon (징더전) became renowned for producing exquisite underglaze blue porcelains for the imperial court. Jingdeokjeon's kaolin clay, essential for creating porcelain's sturdy, translucent body, was meticulously crafted, painted with cobalt blue, glazed, and perfectly fired. Influenced by Persian styles and enriched with Central and West Asia materials, these masterpieces captivate with their vivid contrasts and timeless elegance.
A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Yeongnak the Great
영락대제 (r. 1402-1424)
Sejong the Great
세종대제 (r. 1418-1450)
The friendship between Emperor Yeongnak the Great of the Ming Empire and King Sejong the Great (posthunously honoured by the Myeong Commonwealth as 'Emperor Sejong the Great') of the Kingdom of Joseon, whose reigns overlapped for six years, was a shining example of significant diplomatic and cultural exchange between the two neighbouring realms during the 15th century.
The Yeongnak Emperor, the third monarch of the Ming, whose reign spanned from 1402 to 1424, was known for his ambitious architectural projects, compilation of the 11,095-volumed Yeongnak Encyclopedia which covered ancient wisdom on everything from morals to technology, dispatching of six massive peaceful naval expeditions to South Asia and East Africa, and extensive military campaigns against the remnants of the Mongol Empire. He sought to establish a strong relationship with Joseon, recognising its strategic importance and cultural contributions. King Sejong, the fourth ruler of Joseon, sat on the Throne from 1418 to 1450. He is renowned for his achievements in governance, science, and culture, particularly the creation of the Joseon script, Hangul.
The friendship between the two monarchs was characterised by mutual respect and admiration. They exchanged diplomatic envoys. Yeongnak and Sejong regularly shared their thoughts and literary works on topics ranging from history and philosophy to science and technology. This exchange of ideas and knowledge helped foster cultural and intellectual growth in both countries. In September 1424, when Yeongnak the Great died, Sejong the Great remained in mourning dress for 27 days, despite the rule set by the Hongmu Emperor (홍무제) (r. 1368-1398), founder of the Ming Empire and father of Yeongnak, that subjects should remain in mourning dress no more than three days after an emperor's death.
The Kingdom of Joseon (1392–1910) emerged as an intriguing successor to the Ming. Rooted in Korea's dynastic tapestry, from Goryeo to Joseon, was the Celestial Realm-centric tributary system, elevating Celestial Realm as the paramount realm and its tributaries like Joseon as subservient. Yet, as dynasties shifted over the Celestial Realm, so did Joseon's perspective evolve. Over time, Joseon embraced the mantle of the traditional Confucian-oriented civilisation in continental East Asia, deeming itself the heir to the illustrious Ming legacy.
Amid the Ming's downfall and the Manchu conquest, Joseon's role as a vassal kingdom within the tributary system endured. Resentment towards the Manchus lingered, bolstering Joseon's self-perception as the custodian of Chunghwa and the rightful heir to the Ming legacy—a tale not uncommon in history. Even as the Manchu era dawned, Joseon clung to its Ming-rooted identity, safeguarding Chunghwa culture zealously. The term 'Chunghwa' encapsulated the Confucian ideals-based culture originating from the Ming and its predecessor dynasties, excluding conquest ones.
Echoes of Joseon's Ming legacy claim resonate with historical instances worldwide, where states seek legitimacy by aligning with revered civilisations of the past. From European empires invoking ties to Rome for validation to Joseon's Ming succession narrative, the pursuit of cultural heritage endures as a common thread in history.
As the nineteenth century unfolded, fractured by the Manchu's setbacks against foreign powers and the demise of the Manchu supremacy in the First Sino-Japanese War caused a paradigm-shift in Joseon's mindset. With the Manchus being weakened and Joseon's self-confidence being on the rise, Joseon's idealisation of the Ming reached new heights when the Gojong Emperor proclaimed the establishment of the Daehan Empire (1897-1910), which drew its inspiration from the Ming in various aspects:
Cultural Influence: Ming culture influenced Daehan in art, literature, and architecture, evident in traditional motifs and artistic techniques reminiscent of the Ming period.
Administrative Systems: Daehan adopted Ming's governance structures, civil service examinations, and bureaucratic practices.
Trade and Diplomacy: Daehan emulated Ming strategies in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions.
Technological Innovations: Daehan replicated Ming's advancements in printing, shipbuilding, and agriculture for Korean circumstances.
Ceramics and Porcelain: Daehan found inspiration in Ming ceramics, incorporating intricate designs and production techniques into its artistic achievements.
During the years 1592 to 1598, the 'Imjin Wars' marked two significant Japanese invasions of Joseon Korea. Initiated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the famous Japanese military leader, these campaigns aimed to realize his longstanding ambition of advancing into the Ming Empire via the Korean peninsula. Despite an auspicious beginning with the capture of key cities like Pyongyang and Seoul, the first invasion encountered formidable resistance from a coalition comprising the Joseon navy under Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a substantial Ming land army, and local insurgents. This collective effort thwarted the Japanese advance, leading to a stalemate in 1593. Following fruitless peace negotiations, Hideyoshi launched a second, less successful invasion in 1597 before his demise the following year prompted the Japanese forces to retreat from the Peninsula. Reverberating as one of the largest military endeavors in pre-20th century East Asia, the conflict left a trail of devastation and irreparably strained relations between Japan and Korea.
The Manlyeok Emperor of Ming played a crucial role in supporting Joseon against the Japanese invasions led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Emperor dispatched a large land army to aid the Koreans in repelling the Japanese forces. The Ming forces fought alongside their Joseon allies, and contributed significantly to the eventual stalling of the first Japanese invasion in 1593.
The Kingdom of Joseon expressed its gratitude to the Manlyeok Emperor (r. 1572-1620) for his support during the Imjin Wars. The government and people of Joseon acknowledged the crucial role Ming troops played in helping defend their country against the Japanese aggression. The assistance the Manlyeok Emperor and the mighty Ming armed forces provided was instrumental in turning the tide of the war and preventing further Japanese advances into Korea.
The Manlyeok Emperor's support and the Ming army's contributions in the Imjin Wars were deeply appreciated by the Joseon leadership and population, and remembered with gratitude for Ming's crucial role in defending its ally faithfully during this tumultuous period in East Asian history.
A LIFESTYLE OF RITUAL PROPRIETY
In a world of moral collapse and the return of barbarianism everywhere, the Myeong Commonwealth is undoubtedly one of the last bastions of human civilisation: it is undoubtedly, the Realm of Humaneness and Righteousness (인의지방), the Realm of Propriety and Etiquette (예의지방), and the Realm of Noble Character (군자지국). Myeongeans are committed to leading lives that revolve around a set of rites known as lye (례), whose purpose is to cultivate the moral characters of individuals in accordance with Divine Reason (천리).
Lye encompasses a wide range of practices, including ceremonies, festivals, and rites of passage such as weddings and funerals. It also includes everyday activities such as greeting others, table manners, and dress codes. The rule of ritual propriety emphasises the importance of performing these practices with sincerity, respect, and adherence to tradition. By doing so, individuals show appropriate respect for their ancestors, their elders, and the natural world, all of which are seen as essential components of a harmonious society. As the premier Confucian micronation that the world has never seen before, the Commonwealth celebrates Five Rites (오례) that were mentioned in the ancient Confucian classic of the Rites of Ju (《주례》):
Auspicious Rites (길례): These rites are performed to celebrate good fortune. They are often conducted during important life events such as weddings (pictured below), the birth of a child, or the opening of a new business. Auspicious rites typically involve rituals, prayers, and offerings to God to show reverence, and to ancestors to demonstrate that death cannot stop filial piety from being paid (pictured above).
Inauspicious Rites (흉례): In contrast to auspicious rites, inauspicious rites are performed to ward off or mitigate negative energy or harm. They are often practiced during times of illness, accidents, or funerals. Inauspicious rites may include rituals such as cleansing, purification, or offerings to appease spirits and protect against misfortune.
Congratulatory Rites (가례): Congratulatory rites are performed to celebrate achievements or special occasions such as graduations or promotions. They are usually conducted to express congratulations and to wish the person good luck in their future endeavors.
Hosting Rites (빈례): Hosting rites are conducted when welcoming guests or visitors. They involve observing proper etiquette, offering hospitality, and ensuring that guests feel respected and well-cared for. Hosting rites may include rituals such as serving tea, offering food, and providing comfortable accommodations.
Military Rites (군례): Military rites are performed in the context of warfare or military activities. They involve rituals and ceremonies to boost morale, honor fallen soldiers, and seek protection from deities or ancestral spirits. Military rites often include offerings and prayers for victory, strength, and the well-being of soldiers.
These rites together reflect the importance placed on maintaining harmony, promoting auspiciousness, and showing respect for various aspects of life in Confucian culture. In accordance with the Rites of Ju, the Lord Patriarch (the second-highest ranking prelate of The Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages) is the primary authority responsible for the standardisation of these rites.
MYEONGBOK
Proper attire (정의관) is crucial for Confucianism, which strongly emphasises showing respect and modesty towards others by dressing appropriately and modestly in different social contexts. Proper attire helps to signify one's social status and role, allowing for clear distinctions and a harmonious social structure, and is considered a part of the ritualistic aspect of Confucian practices, representing adherence to traditional values and cultural norms. Confucianism emphasises self-cultivation and personal development. Wearing proper attire is seen as a way to cultivate self-discipline and self-respect, as it reflects one's commitment to upholding social norms and presenting oneself in a dignified manner.
The Ming Empire had a significant influence on Joseon's fashion and attire. The exchange of ideas, trade, and diplomatic relations between the realms facilitated the transmission of clothing styles and trends. One of the most significant impacts of Ming attire on Joseon attire was the introduction of Ming-style court dress. The Ming Empire placed great importance on court protocol and etiquette, and the attire worn by officials and nobility reflected this. Ming court dress was characterised by long robes with wide sleeves and a mandarin collar, often made of silk and decorated with intricate embroidery. This style was adopted by the Joseon court, particularly during formal ceremonies and events.
The Myeong Commonwealth developed its unique micronational attire: the Myeongbok (명복), which features a mix and match of the attire of the Ming Empire and the Daehan Empire. HM The Emperor and other members of the Imperial Household; HS The Supreme Patriarch and Counselors of the Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages; and peers of the Commonwealth regularly wear Myeongbok in ordinary meetings and events; other members of the Myeong Commonwealth from all walks of life often wear Myeongbok on public holidays and family occasions.
Ming attire also influenced Joseon everyday wear. Ming-style jackets and trousers became popular among the Joseon upper class, and women's clothing began to feature wider sleeves and longer skirts. Additionally, the use of silk as a material for clothing became more widespread in Joseon, reflecting the influence of Ming fashion. Against this background, the Kingdom of Joseon evolved the Hanbok (한복), which is characterised by simpler lines, vibrant colors, and natural fabrics like cotton and hemp (pictured above). Unlike Myeongeans, Koreans no longer wear the Hanbok on a daily basis but only on special occasions.
MYEONG ARCHERY
