SAGELY CIVILISATION

The Myeong Commonwealth stands as the world’s pre-eminent Confucian micronation and a steadfast guardian of human civilisation’s finest values.

Rooted in the brilliance of Confucian principles, the Commonwealth radiates moral excellence and unity, distinguishing itself as a model of societal virtue. Its rich cultural heritage, which prioritises education, family respect, and moral integrity, creates the foundation for a cohesive and thriving community. Guided by the timeless wisdom of Sage Confucius and the teachings of revered Sages and exemplary figures—may harmony be upon them—the Myeong Commonwealth has revitalised a tradition of ethical leadership, deep reverence for virtue, and unwavering commitment to enduring familial values.

Unlike societies driven by individualism or material gain, the Myeong Commonwealth champions the collective good and shared welfare. Its sacred ceremonies, cherished customs, and uplifting music are crafted to cultivate noble character, strengthen communal bonds, and foster a profound sense of shared duty. The remarkable resilience and longevity of Confucian civilisation, spanning thousands of years, testify to the enduring power of its principles in promoting societal harmony and stability.

By upholding the core virtues of humaneness, justice, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, the Myeong Commonwealth paves the way for a more equitable and harmonious society. It inspires individuals to embrace their responsibilities with dignity and honour, offering a timeless blueprint for a world grounded in balance, virtue, and collective well-being.

THE CONFUCIAN CHEONJA

The Confucian Emperor, steeped in millennia of tradition, holds the revered title of Cheonja (천자), meaning 'Son of Heaven,' and serves as the ceremonial Head of the Confucian Tradition within the Myeong Commonwealth. The Cheonja bears a sacred responsibility to uphold order and harmony across the Commonwealth, acting as a unifying figure for its diverse peoples. Central to his role is the duty to offer sacrifices of praise to God (황천상제), seeking divine blessings on behalf of the Commonwealth’s communities.

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As a moral beacon, the Cheonja is expected to embody the Confucian virtues of humaneness, justice, propriety, and wisdom in all aspects of his life, setting an exemplary standard for the people to follow. According to the teachings of Sage Mencius—harmony be upon him—Confucian doctrine stipulates that a Cheonja who fails to govern with benevolence and compassion forfeits his legitimacy as 'Son of Heaven.' In such cases, the people are justified in withdrawing their support, reflecting the moral accountability inherent in the role.

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The founding of the Myeong Commonwealth introduced a historic shift, establishing the Cheonja as a constitutional monarch who reigns symbolically but does not wield political power. Instead, governance is entrusted to a democratically elected Central Assembly and a Government chosen by that legislature, ensuring a system rooted in democratic principles and accountability.

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The current Cheonja is His Majesty The Seongchi Emperor (성치제), pictured in the traditional Myeongbok imperial robes, which symbolise his ceremonial role. While the Cheonja holds the nominal position as Head of the Confucian Tradition, the spiritual leadership of the Commonwealth is guided by the Supreme Patriarch, who chairs the Supreme Confucian Congregation and serves as the primary spiritual authority for the people.

THE CHAIR OF SAGE PAUL

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Supreme Patriarch Seo Gwang-gye (대종백 서광계) (1562–1633), widely known as Paul Siu Koang-k’i, was a distinguished polymath of the Ming Empire, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a Confucian scholar-official of the Yangmyeonghak (양명학) tradition, statesman, scientist, military strategist, and mathematician. Renowned for his exceptional mathematical prowess, he earned the trust of the Ming emperor, serving as a key advisor. Sage Paul played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural reforms and collaborated with the Italian Catholic priest, Sage Father Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), to introduce Western scientific knowledge to East Asia, fostering intellectual exchange.

As a devout Catholic Christian, Sage Paul dedicated himself to harmonising Confucianism and Christianity, creating a bridge between these philosophical and spiritual traditions. His efforts in scientific innovation and cultural synthesis left an enduring legacy in East Asian society. In 1630, at the age of 69, Sage Paul was appointed Supreme Patriarch (대종백) by the Sungjeong Emperor (숭정제), entrusted with presiding over the sacred rites of the Ming Empire. His tenure as a scholar, statesman, spiritual leader, and proponent of cross-cultural dialogue continues to inspire generations.

Earlier in his career, Sage Paul demonstrated strategic foresight by proposing a policy to shield the Kingdom of Joseon from the growing threat of the Jurchen nomads, later known as the Manchus, who established the Qing Empire (대청국). This empire infamously executed the last Ming emperor in 1662, falsely claiming the Mandate of Heaven. Sage Paul’s policy focused on strengthening the Ming-Joseon alliance through enhanced military cooperation. He advocated for bolstering border defenses, fortifying strategic locations, and creating a joint defense framework to deter Manchu invasions and ensure robust protection against external threats.

Furthermore, Sage Paul underscored the value of nurturing strong diplomatic ties with Hanseong (Seoul). He promoted cultural and economic exchanges to deepen the bond between the Ming and Joseon realms, fostering mutual prosperity and solidarity in the face of regional challenges. His visionary leadership and commitment to unity and resilience remain a cornerstone of his enduring legacy.

HIS SAGELINESS THE SUPREME PATRIARCH OF THE MYEONG COMMONWEALTH

The Supreme Confucian Congregation (유교 최고 평의회) of the Myeong Commonwealth is the pre-eminent authority responsible for overseeing Confucian doctrine, guided by the Supreme Patriarch, who leads this impartial assembly of distinguished Confucian scholars. As the spiritual leader of the Commonwealth, the Supreme Patriarch provides ritual support to the Imperial House, promotes the principles of Confucianism within Myeong society and beyond, and ensures that legislation and policies align substantially with Confucian ethical values.

The seat of the Supreme Patriarch (대종백), referred to as the Chair of Sage Paul (성현 보록 성좌), is situated at the Seonggyungwan Basilica (성균관 대성전), a sacred centre of Confucian learning and tradition. The Supreme Confucian Congregation and its chief organ, the Supreme Council for the Doctrine of the Sages, advises the Monarch on the content of speeches and decrees, ensuring they adhere to the Constitution and Confucian teachings. At the request of the Prime Minister, the Council may also offer guidance on proposed policies to confirm their alignment with Confucian principles. Comprising senior prelates of the Commonwealth known as 'Colinals,' the Council elects the Supreme Patriarch from among its members, following an ancient Confucian tradition rooted in the Ju Dynasty (1046 BC – 256 BC).

In January Seongchi 2 (2024), The Rt Hon Lord Kong PC (공신민), HG The Duke of Yeonseong (연성공), was elected as His Sageliness Supreme Patriarch John Paul (대종백 중니보록) to serve for an indefinite term. The Chair of Sage Paul, also known as the Sagely See, is a legal entity designating the official residence of the Supreme Patriarch, located within the Seonggyungwan Basilica. This revered seat is named in honour of Sage Paul Siu, reflecting his enduring legacy as a scholar and spiritual luminary.

DEAN OF THE SAGELY COLLEGE OF COLINALS

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Within the governance of the Supreme Confucian Congregation, the Dean of the College of Colinals holds the esteemed rank of Lord Patriarch (소종백), second only to the Supreme Patriarch. This distinguished Confucian prelate serves as a beacon of spiritual and intellectual leadership, guiding the Myeong Commonwealth’s Confucian community in the enduring wisdom of the Sages.

The Dean presides over the College of Colinals, a revered body of senior clerics responsible for advising the Supreme Patriarch on matters of doctrine, ritual, and governance, as well as electing a new Patriarch when necessary. As the presiding officer, the Dean convenes and moderates the College’s sessions, ensuring deliberations are conducted with harmony, integrity, and adherence to Confucian principles.

In the liturgical practices of the Commonwealth, the Dean supports the Supreme Patriarch in performing sacred rites that honour Heaven’s mandates. By the authority of His Majesty The Emperor, the Dean may also conduct a sacrifice of praise to Heaven, a profound act of filial piety to seek divine blessings for the Commonwealth. Beyond the sacred sphere, the Dean represents the College in both civic and religious contexts, exemplifying humility, moral clarity, and Confucian virtues, while overseeing the administrative responsibilities of the College.

The current Dean is His Eminence Yi-lak Colinal Muk (목이락), The Right Honourable Lord Muk, Lord Patriarch, Privy Counsellor, and His Grace The Duke of Yeongguk. His titular shrine, The Shrine of Sage Goyo (고요), symbolises his unwavering devotion to the Confucian path. Under his stewardship, the College remains steadfast in promoting benevolence, righteousness, and propriety, serving the Myeong Commonwealth and upholding the glory of Heaven.

THE YEONSEONG CITY STATE

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The Yeongseong City State, meaning the City State of Overflowing Sageliness, is slated to be established as a sovereign Associated State of the Myeong Commonwealth in 2025, forming a distinctive enclave rooted in the Confucian Tradition to promote its values worldwide.

A Treaty between the Myeong Commonwealth’s Prime Minister and the Supreme Patriarch will acknowledge the latter as Sovereign of the Yeongseong City State, separate from His Majesty’s Government and the Supreme Confucian Congregation. Functioning autonomously under the Supreme Patriarch’s leadership, the city-state will maintain independence from secular authorities whilst cooperating with the Commonwealth.

The Confucian Tradition underpins the city-state, disseminating the Divine Principle—a universal moral framework emphasising humaneness, justice, propriety, and wisdom. Through sacred rites and music, it nurtures ethical societies and revitalises civilisation. Nominally led by His Majesty The Emperor, the Tradition is practically steered by the Supreme Patriarch, supported by the See of Sage Paul (Sagely See), which oversees teachings and governance.

Serving as the Supreme Patriarch’s official residence and the Sagely See’s administrative centre, the city-state will host key institutions and cultural facilities within the Myeong Commonwealth. It ensures the Confucian Tradition’s autonomy, protecting its teachings from secular interference while advancing sagely wisdom. The city-state will advocate the Confucian call for all people to revere the Lord God of Sovereign Heaven and embrace mutual love, fostering compassion and harmony. Through education and diplomacy, it will encourage global adoption of Confucian virtues.

Governed by the Supreme Patriarch and a council from the Sagely See, the city-state will balance spiritual and practical demands. It will serve as a cultural hub for Confucian scholarship, rituals, and arts, preserving heritage whilst tackling contemporary challenges.

BECOME A SAGE. NOW.

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In the hallowed teachings of Sage Mencius, harmony be upon him, we are graced with a profound and timeless truth: 'Every person can become a sage.' This is not a lofty ideal reserved for the few, but a sacred calling woven into the very fabric of human potential, as ordained by Heaven. Within the Confucian tradition of the Myeong Commonwealth, a sage is one who has attained a luminous understanding of the transcendent moral order, living in perfect harmony with the innate knowledge of right and wrong bestowed upon all by the divine mandate of Heaven. Such a soul, through devotion to the Way, becomes a beacon of virtue and wisdom, guiding others toward the eternal truths of the cosmos.

Every person, whether born in humble obscurity or exalted station, carries within it a spark of the divine heartmind, an intuitive grasp of moral truth that reflects Heaven’s benevolence. Yet, this sacred light is often obscured by the shadows of worldly desires, concupiscence, and the distractions of temporal life. To restore the heartmind to its original state of all-encompassing goodness, one must embark on a disciplined journey of self-cultivation. Through earnest self-reflection, steadfast adherence to virtue, and the practice of righteousness, the individual refines their character, aligning their will with the harmonious rhythms of the universe. The sage’s heartmind, thus purified and unified, radiates a serene peace, resonating with the cosmic order and reflecting the tranquil unity of Heaven and Earth.

Why, then, should we aspire to the lofty state of sagehood? First, a sage attains an abiding inner peace, a profound equanimity that remains unshaken amidst the tempests of adversity. This tranquility, born of harmony with the Way, anchors the soul in divine stillness. Second, a sage commands moral authority, their life a testament to integrity and wisdom that inspires others to walk the path of virtue. In the Myeong Commonwealth, such figures are revered as exemplars of Confucian ideals, their counsel sought by both the humble and the mighty. Third, a sage wields social influence with solemn responsibility, using their insight to foster justice, compassion, and positive transformation in society, thereby advancing the common good. Finally, a sage achieves an illuminated state of personal flourishing, the fulfillment of humanity’s highest potential. This state, in accordance with Heaven’s mandate, brings not only personal satisfaction but a deep sense of communion with the eternal purposes of the cosmos.

The pursuit of sagehood, as illuminated by the teachings of Mencius, is a sacred vocation, a path of profound meaning that calls each soul to rise above the mundane and embrace the divine. In the Myeong Commonwealth, this quest is upheld as the noblest expression of human existence, a journey that binds the individual to the eternal Way and to the harmonious order of Heaven. Through dedication to humaneness, justice, propriety, and wisdom, the aspirant to sagehood not only transforms their own heartmind but also contributes to the moral and spiritual elevation of their community, fulfilling the sacred trust bestowed by Heaven upon all humanity.

​CONFUCIAN-MENCIAN-YANGMYEONGISM

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The Supreme Confucian Congregation adheres to the interpretation of sagely doctrine (성학) by the preeminent Myeong Empire statesman, philosopher, and military hero Sage Wang Yangmyeong (왕수인) (1472-1529), the Earl of Singeong (신건백), whose works offered a radiant vision of human potential that contrasts sharply with the common stereotypes of Confucianism as a staid, hierarchical, or overly ritualistic philosophy. Let’s explore his core ideas and how they liberate the spirit while redefining Confucian ideals in an inspiring way.

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Confucian-Mencian-Yangmyeongism (양명학) emphasises that every person has an innate moral conscience (양지) that can guide him towards doing what is right, and underscores the unity of  and action (지행합일): that true understanding is only achieved through action and that, in a similar vein, one cannot fully comprehend a moral concept until they have experienced it through action, especially self-cultivation, which involves constantly reflecting on one's own thoughts and actions and striving to improve oneself.

Wang Yangmyeong's thought embraces the idea of 'extensionality' (만물일체), that is, the heart-mind and the world are interconnected, such that our thoughts and actions have an impact on the world around us, and that the world can also shape our thoughts and actions. It follows that we should be aware of our impact on the world and strive to act in a way that benefits others.