Yi Chi-Ham (Master To-jong).--A story is told of him that on the day
after his wedding he went out with his topo or ceremonial coat on,
but came back later without it. On inquiry being made, it was found
that he had torn it into pieces to serve as bandages for a sick child
that he had met with on his walk.
Once on a time he had an impression that his father-in-law's home
was shortly to be overtaken by a great disaster; he therefore took
his wife and disappeared from the place. In the year following, for
some political offence, the home was indeed wiped out and the family
wholly destroyed.
To-jong was not only a prophet, but also a magician, as was shown
by his handling of a boat. When he took to sea the waters lay quiet
before him, and all his path was peace. He would be absent sometimes
for a year or more, voyaging in many parts of the world.
He practised fasting, and would go sometimes for months without
eating. He also overcame thirst, and in the hot days of summer would
avoid drinking. He stifled all pain and suffering, so that when he
walked and his feet were blistered he paid no attention to it.
While young he was a disciple of a famous Taoist, So Wha-dam. As
his follower he used to dress in grass cloth (the poor man's garb),
wear straw shoes and carry his bundle on his back. He would be on
familiar terms with Ministers of State, and yet show indifference to
their greatness and pomp. He was acquainted with the various magic
practices, so that in boating he used to hang out gourd cups at each
corner of the boat, and thus equipped he went many times to and from
Quelpart and never met a wind. He did merchandising, made money,
and bought land which yielded several thousand bags of rice that he
distributed among the poor.
He lived in Seoul in a little dug-out, so that his name became "Mud
Pavilion," or To-jong. His cap was made of metal, which he used to
cook his food in, and which he then washed and put back on his head
again. He used also to wear wooden shoes and ride on a pack saddle.
He built a house for the poor in Asan County when he was magistrate
there, gathered in all the needy and had them turn to and work at
whatever they had any skill in, so that they lived and flourished. When
any one had no special ability, he had him weave straw shoes. He
urged them on till they could make as many as ten pairs a day.
Yul-gok said of him that he was a dreamer and not suitable for this
matter-of-fact world, because he belonged to the realm of flowers
and pretty birds, songs and sweet breezes, and not to the common
clay of corn and beef and radishes. To-jong heard this, and replied,
"Though I am not of a kind equal to beans and corn, still I will rank
with acorns and chestnuts. Why am I wholly useless?"
Korea's Record of Famous Men.