4. Unity in the Structure of the Original Image
As explained earlier, the structure of the Original Image is the correlative relationship between Sungsang and Hyungsang in the Divine Image. Through clarification of this structure, it has become possible to arrive at standards for solving various actual problems, since most problems are those of relationships, and they are caused by improper relationships. In other words, once the structure of the Original Image is clarified, thus clarifying the original structure of relationships in all things, then all kinds of problems have the possibility of being fundamentally and eternally solved. What should be added here, concerning the structure of the Original Image, is why the concept of structure is necessary and what the Original Image is when seen from the viewpoint of structure.
Traditionally, the word “structure” has been used in explaining the interrelations between such things as materials in a building, or in a machine. It has been used when we analyze the mechanics of material beings: the structure of the human body, the structure of the economy, the structure of a molecule, the structure of an atom, and so on. Thus, when we investigate things we commonly use the concept of structure. If the concept of structure is extended, we may use it in analyzing immaterial things such as consciousness, spirit, and so on. In fact, such terms as the “structure of mind,” “spiritual structure,” and so on have also been used.
Coming from this perspective, I used the concept of structure in treating the attributes of the invisible God. We can understand the attributes of God in detail, especially Sungsang and Hyungsang, by using the concept of structure. However, even when doing so and, indeed, when classifying the various kinds of give and receive action between Sungsang and Hyungsang, we must not forget that in reality the Original Image transcends time and space. Then, what is the reality of the Original Image which we discuss here using concepts of structure or time and space?
In a word, the Original Image is a oneness. Since there is no space, there is no position, no front or back, no right or left, no up or down, no inside or outside, no wide or narrow, no far or near, and there is no shape, such as triangle or square. Infinity and the infinitesimal are the same. The Original Image is the multidimensional world in which all spaces are overlapping in one point. At the same time, it is the world from which up and down, front and back, right and left, and inside and outside are extended infinitely.
Moreover, there is no time in the Original Image. However, if we must use a temporal concept, past, present, and future are all united in a “now.” This can be compared to a reel of motion picture film in which past, present, and future are all contained. Time is united in one point. In other words, there is eternity in a moment, and a moment is in eternity. Thus, a moment and eternity are the same. This means that the Original Image is the world of “pure continuance” (the state in which Sungsang and Hyungsang, Yang and Yin are united). In other words, “pure continuance” characterizes time in the Original Image.
In short, the Original Image is “pure oneness.” Not only time and space, but the causes of all other phenomena (except for the non-principled phenomena related with the human fall) are united in a single point. In other words, all phenomena in the universe including time and space appeared from this oneness. Just as an infinite number of infinitely long lines can be drawn above and below, front and back, right and left from a single point, the world of time and space expands infinitely from this oneness into the directions of above and below, front and back, and right and left.
No matter how vast and boundless the universe may be, and no matter how complex the phenomena and movements in the universe may be, the fundamental principles which rule time and space and all phenomena in the universe lie in this single point, namely, oneness. In other words, the principle of unification, the principle of give and receive action, and the principle of love lie in this single point. Hence, space was developed from the single point of the four position foundation, and time was developed from the single point of origin, division, and union action.