Development of the Neo-Confucianism during the Chosen dynasty begun to get attention among international scholars since about three decade ago. Cho Sik (Nammyung, 1501-72) was one of the two most distinguished Neo-Confucian scholars at the sixteenth century with Yi Hwang (T'oegye, 1501-70). However, Cho Sik' scholarly achievements in the Neo-Confucianism had been neglected due to political reason during late Chosen dynasty. It was continued up to late 20th century.
Recently his contributions to development of Korean Neo-Confucian studies were rediscovered by new generation. His academic works written in classical Chinese had been newly translated into modern Korean and several research institutes for Nammyung studies had initiated international academic conferences on his works and their contributions to Korean intellectual community.
『 Diagram and Inscription of Shin-myung-sa』 is one of his most important works for understanding of his scholarly world-views. I have examined this work in terms of Dae-dae cultural grammar, my model of analysis on traditional Korean culture. The diagram and Inscription could be seen as the most representative summary of his life long search to understanding Sung and Ming Neo-Confucian traditions and their realization in the Chosun (Yi) dynasty. Two fundamental concepts he focused in the search are kyung and ui . In the diagram and inscription they are neatly explained how to practice in state rule and scholar's daily living. This paper shows that Dae-dae cultural grammar underlie 『 Diagram and Inscription of Shin-myung-sa』consistently.