Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era - Part 3

[진영]

C. The Era of Centenarians: Martial Arts Training and Righteous Character in the 21st Century

     1. Reasons Humans Should Study Until the End

      1)The Ultimate Purpose of Human Life

Martial arts training is a part of everyday life, and it must align with the ultimate purpose of human existence. If not, there is no reason to pursue it. If martial arts does not align with the true purpose of human life and leads one down a path of emptiness or misdirection, individuals may live a difficult, arduous life, and in the end, they will reap what they have sown and depart from this world.

The saying, "There's no such thing as a free lunch," holds true in the world.

You can only reap what you sow,

and throughout your life, you will live with the consequences and achievements of your actions accumulated.

This is the principle of nature.

There are several aspects explaining why martial arts training aligns with the ultimate purpose of human life.

Firstly, martial arts can help integrate and regulate the body and mind.

Modern life is filled with stress and conflict, and martial arts, by combining physical activity with meditative aspects,

can promote both physical health and mental stability.

It serves as one way for humans to contribute to finding inner peace and harmony.

Secondly, martial arts training can foster the development and growth of human character.

Consistent practice strengthens qualities such as patience, endurance, self-discipline, and the determination to achieve goals.

This helps individuals become better people and contribute positively to society through self-improvement.

Thirdly, martial arts can function as a platform emphasizing mutual respect and ethical values.

Many traditional martial arts emphasize courtesy, etiquette, and respect for others, promoting sustained growth and harmonious coexistence in diverse societies.

Lastly, the experiences and wisdom gained through martial arts training can be applied to various aspects of life.

For instance, skills such as goal setting, self-control, teamwork, and stress management can be learned and implemented.

Therefore, martial arts training offers diverse values that go beyond simply acquiring physical skills, aligning with the ultimate purpose of human life.

Through the practice of various meditation and breathing techniques passed down through the ages, humans have sought ways to connect with their inner selves. However, the direction of meditation or prayer becomes meaningless and there is no reason to do if it deviates from the fundamental principle.

The fundamental principle is never unrealistic, abstract, mysterious, or whimsical. It is crucial to always measure it against standards aligned with the consciousness and values of modern individuals.  Recognizing the fact that one has strayed from the right path is exceptionally challenging.

Meditation provides a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness, and correction. The insights gained through this process contribute to the wisdom needed for one's aspirations, ultimately leading to a transformation in consciousness, maturity, and development. This, in essence, becomes the law and truth of nature, which is the fumdamental principle.

To engage in meditation or prayer is to do something out of necessity. If done haphazardly or habitually without purpose, one may eventually realize its emptiness or absurdity, leading to a sense of disappointment or disillusionment. Meditation should have a purpose, and it doesn't necessarily require a significant amount of time  Even a minute or, at most, thirty minutes should suffice. Competing to see who can breathe the longest is not the essence; the key lies in the improvement achieved through such practices.

Moreover, while emphasizing respiratory training, some engage in competitions to see who can sustain a longer breath. In doing so, the question arises: what are the results, and what exactly improves through such endeavors? If this type of meditation involves enduring physical discomfort and struggles, such as the pain and effort of holding one's breath, standing on one leg, staying awake without sleep, or even sitting until near death, it may occasionally lead to instances where bodily functions gradually deteriorate or become paralyzed, yet irionically these individuals are sometimes revered by people in general for such kinds of dedications(?).

Engaging in meditation or prayer with a specific purpose implies that the understanding of the essence of the meditation or prayer's subject must be imprinted on the body and mind.

Since it is something unseen, not learned, and not taught, there is no clear way to know.

Therefore, even if one explores different places or countries,

when departing from this world, everyone leaves in the same way.

Without a clear understanding of the essence of the meditation or prayer's subject,

which can easily turn into aimless or superstitious practices, it is crucial to always keep it in mind.

This is why the emphasis on the basics has been consistent.

If we were to mention something absolutely essential in the era of centenarians, it would include maintaining social relationships and communication with those close to us. Additionally, engaging in minimal economic activities or hobbies, even in old age, and possibly participating in volunteer work. Experiencing various aspects of life, constantly contemplating and thinking positively, making efforts to think out of the box, understanding and caring within relationships, and reducing greeds, attachments, and eliminations are crucial.

In the routine of daily life, maintaining maintaining mindfulness (마음챙김) and awareness (알아차림) through Normal Mind (평상심) and Even Breathing (고른호흡) becomes vital. This leads to having tranquility and abundance until the end of life, becoming a tool for a soul born on this land to taste the fruits of spiritual maturity through the body.

On the contrary, without these practices, departing from this world may be difficult and painful, and one may simply disappear into the fog without knowing where they are headed in this world.

2) Frog in the Well

The reason for cultivating the mind and body is to avoid personal suffering and to create a life of leisure and abundance.

If martial arts have transformed one's life, it's because there were numerous insights that aligned with it. Success in martial arts is a result of the corresponding sweat and effort invested physically and mentally.

If, despite efforts, one cannot escape material or mental poverty, and every moment feels difficult and challenging, it may be because existing thoughts have not been changed. It's due to inadvertently acquired thought patterns that keep one confined within their current consciousness.

Being poor is not solely because of following martial arts; rather, it is failing to correctly perceive one's current level and failing to reform one's consciousness. Just as kimchi completely sours and ripens, it means that it has not changed itself, and it is like "a frog in a well".

So, you should be able to pursue what others think by making efforts to study through all lifetime. In other words, it also means that your mind needs to move quickly. Everyone is bound to be lacking in some way. Nevertheless, studying is something you should do until you die.

This is what it means to be human, the reason why humans must continue learning until the end, and it is also the reason why I am here on this Earth at this moment.

The passage emphasizes the importance of cultivating the mind and body to avoid personal suffering and achieve a life of leisure and abundance. It highlights the transformative power of martial arts, attributing success in this discipline to a combination of mental and physical effort. However, if one finds themselves unable to overcome material or mental poverty despite sincere efforts, the root cause might lie in unchanged thought patterns. These ingrained mental habits could be preventing a shift in consciousness, keeping individuals stuck in their current difficult circumstances.

The analogy of being "like a frog in a well" underscores the idea that personal growth and improvement requires a willingness to change and expand one's perspective. The passage suggests that failure to perceive one's current level accurately and reform one's consciousness can lead to a state of stagnation, Kimchi has to be fully fermented to suit one's taste, but clinging to unchanged thoughts and consciousness, is much like improperly ripened kimchi.

3)There is no such thing as a free lunch in the world - I am the protagonist of the world.

It is said that the desire to do something for a lifetime depends on the human mind.

However, that mind is not just about doing good things and generously giving to others.

The unseen human mind machine possesses contrasting attributes such as good and evil, love and hatred, which must be well understood and discerned in each reality to create a peaceful mind.

It is balance and harmony, that is, enlightenment.

It becomes the strength with which I live, explained by faith and love,

and it is the alpha and omega of human life.

In this world, God not only gave love but also threw in hatred, coexisting with good and evil.

In the end, the world is fair, and there is nothing free. I realize that I must acknowledge the fact that I will receive only as much as I give.

God is not someone who takes sides, but rather, it is something I must do. I have no choice but to be the protagonist of the world. Without me, the world would cease to exist.

So, the right path for me to take will become a set law, but even within a family, everyone is busy with their own tasks, and with parents and children each dealing with their own responsibilities, it can be said that there is no set law in this world.

Ultimately, when you know, when the essence of martial arts, religion, or philosophy becomes clear, consciousness begins to awaken.

This is the essence of the practice that humans have been performing since the beginning of human civilization.

Just sitting cross-legged without doing anything won't achieve anything. It is through actions within relationships that we can judge right from wrong and correct ourselves.

Without recognizing the principle of nature, even if you spend a lifetime trying to achieve something through practices like breathing or meditation, it's a great relief if you don't suffer or get sick.

The system of the body machine itself enables a lifetime of breathing.

Attempting to artificially manipulate the machine by doing something not naturally aligned with it exposes the machine to the risk of overload or malfunction. In other words, as much as it is not done naturally, it will inevitably become difficult or painful.

Here, it is not a denial of practices like breathing or meditation, but rather an assertion that to go the right path, one must understand the essence of those fundamentals. Otherwise, there is a tendency to get lost in abstract, unrealistic, higher-dimensional, or mystical beliefs.

Even if you pray day and night or memorize something repeatedly, there is no method in this world where what you desire will come true. Sometimes, coincidentally, things may happen, leading people to cling even more. As long as the thought that doing it this way in the past yielded results remains ingrained in one's consciousness, it is challenging to break free from cyclical, superstitious, and sometimes mystical beliefs.

In this world, you receive only as much as you give; otherwise, it becomes an unfair world. If you cannot break away from the conventional consciousness inherited from parents, society, and school since birth, your consciousness and values remain stagnant.

Humans need to engage in economic activities within social relationships, but the advice not to just rely on free things is also a warning against indulging in concepts such as making money through prayer, passing exams, staying healthy, or achieving miracles. The idea is not to rely solely on these aspects.

In less developed countries, as political power increases, individuals and groups become accustomed to getting things for free, leading to the natural acceptance of these unfair facts as time goes on.

Even in the 21st century, we see nations practicing exploitative and kleptocratic politics reminiscent of the monarchy era. Privileged individuals, namely dictators or those around them, pursue personal interests, while the common people become their exploited subjects. Escalating populist policies further subjugate the common people.

Over time, as national security is increasingly destroyed, trampled, and degraded, and the national economy and defense weaken, escaping to another country becomes the best goal. Historical examples abound, and even today, we can easily cite instances from certain nations.

One should not just consume the values obtained through others' economic activities but should be able to make rational judgments about preval‎ent and inherited absurdities in our society. This way, we can create a proper world and eliminate socio and psychopaths causing social unrest.

Politics is maintained by the blood of the people, and those working in it are called Civil (Public) Servants, meaning servants of the people. The method of preserving individual and group privileges intensifies in less developed countries, gradually expanding the number of public officials for the preservation of chaebols and the persecution of conglomerates.

Not only in religious places like temples or churches but also in politics, education, and law across society, people become accustomed to consuming things for free. In our society and around the world, we witness such situations everywhere. Especially in many countries in Central and South America and Africa, observing their backward politics, economics, education, and law reveals why they cannot escape poverty.

In contrast,

it is evident how crucial a well-functioning political, educational, and legal system and a leader are in advanced free democratic societies.

2. Key Points for Health and Longevity in the Era of Centenarians

 1) Free from covetousness, anger, and ignorance - A Change in Consciousness

The fluctuation in human mind that controls the body, knowing where it bounce to, being aware of the flow of  energy in the body, and recognizing and correcting it through daily practices that focus on each moment are crucial.

It is essential to undertake the task of guiding one's mind to control the body correctly and follow the right path throughout one's life. This is the challenge of living, or in other words, the practice of life. Emphasizing that living itself is a story of learning, it underscores the importance of continual self-improvement through the journey of life.

There can be no mythical, mystical, or erratic elements in that place. Even if they exist, they are nothing more than foolishness and greed. If even that goes unnoticed, it's just pitiful to be an ignorant human not understanding the reason for being in this world.

Anyway, maintaining Normal Mind (평상심) and Even Breathing (고른 호흡) always serve as mirrors for self-reflection. Awareness and mindfulness become crucial tools for the transformation of consciousness. One must change oneself to create a new environment. Without creating new conditions and situations for the mind, life's meaning becomes dull. In the end, it's a great relief as long as it's not painful.

Because, fueled by ignorance and greed, constant comparison with others leads to situations like a punch in the gut . Always tired from blaming others for shortcomings or mistakes. Through the accumulation of such a victim mentality, eventually, it leads to suffering.

On the basis of Normal Mind(평상심) and Even Breathing(고른 호흡), which brings about tranquility, naturally accepting the flow of energy in and out, and harmonizing oneself with the surroundings, these practices ultimately entail facing and adapting to the changing trends in all aspects of one's reality, from personal to societal, national, and even global.

To maintain the proper functioning of the body machine, it is crucial to ensure the effective functioning of the mind. The foundation of this lies in "immediate understanding and consideration" for the interconnectedness with others and the surrounding circumstances.

In other words, the elimination of covetousness, anger, and ignorance  leading to a change in consciousness, become fundamental prerequisites for sustaining health and mental well-being in the era of longevity.

2) Continuous Effort and Diverse Thoughts - Understanding and Consideration

A multitude of thoughts and genuine, persistent efforts, accompanied by ongoing contemplation, keep an individual from aging, maintaining vibrancy and placing the bodily functions in an optimal state. In other words, even if the body machinery ages and becomes dull and heavy, as long as the energy continues to circulate ceaselessly and the mind remains clear with a sense of direction, one does not age quickly with some uncomfortable symptoms.

After turning sixty and retiring, isolating oneself from society, causing a disconnect, directly correlates with the aging process. It rushes the meaning of life and can be a cause of various ailments.

As long as one's health permits, it is essential to continually create opportunities for various relationships and communication. Such activities trigger a surge of endorphins and motivational factors for communication, revitalizing the metabolic functions.

The practice of martial arts in the era of centenarians involves finding a connection with one's daily life. The body, following the energy of the mind, leads to a more comfortable and less painful existence when the mind takes charge of leading a subjective life.

The extent to which my body aches aligns with the extent to which the energy of the mind (speech, thoughts, and actions) has been misaligned with the natural order (the essence of nature).

In order to keep up with the accelerating progress of the 21st century and align with the spirit of the times, it is necessary to engage in something within relationships with others. This prevents the body and mind from rusting. Therefore, continually staying active can be one of the methods to achieve this.

The basic movements of martial arts, unveiling the flow of energy, facilitate the activation and smooth operation of the body machine through even breathing, fostering interest, and contributing significantly to the development of physical activity.

3) Think out of the box, that's how I live. - Enlightenment and Wisdom

Efforts should be made to establish a connection through societal organisms and communication. The learning and teachings of martial arts, communicated through me, create interaction and communication between individuals, each with their own personal life—physical, mental, active, or hobby-related. This fosters human interaction, communication, and social connections, bringing together diverse thoughts and considerations for harmony and balance through mutual understanding and empathy.

The foundation of such communication efforts requires self-change, allowing oneself not to age.

This keeps me young, helps me discover a new self, and introduces me to a new self every day.

When my right and healthy mind leads the body well, I encounter a new phase of life.

Therefore, changing my thoughts, like filling a new vessel with new things, allows me to encounter a new self.

So, thinking out of the box is how I live.

In other words, thinking out of the box brings enlightenment and consciousness change, wisdom emerges within it, and that wisdom guides me to live well. So, changing thoughts leads to my existence.

Realization entails various expressions such as becoming a thoughtful person, repenting, humbling oneself, adopting a humble mindset, and many more. However, the underlying meaning is essentially the same.

4) Consciousness Reform - Spiritual Growth

Understanding, consideration for others, and generosity become thoughts and actions that benefit others but, in reality, are all for oneself. This enhances my thoughts, broadens and deepens my consciousness, ultimately aiding in spiritual growth until the end. This is the ultimate purpose of human life.

Having a good academic record is a result of both ability and effort, but it is not merely an action taken to make a living throughout one's life. The ultimate purpose of human life, much like the harvest of seeds sown during one's lifetime, is not confined to a limited existence characterized by good academic achievements and abilities, or the satisfaction derived from societal activities. Instead, it lies in the endless spiritual growth of a soul.

3.  Find the original mind. That's the way to live.

1) Myself of the mind and myself of the body going together means

Let's consider push-ups as an example of a simple exercise. By repeating the number of reps and sets, pushing beyond the limits of physical endurance, you focus your mind, cultivate patience, and train your body. This not only contributes to my overall health and increased concentration but also strengthens a frail mind and body. It's generally the fundamental aspect gained through exercise.

In other words , the meaning of Myself of the mind and myself of the body going together in pursuit of a goal is synonymous with the term "mental concentration." It may sound simple, but it forms the foundation of understanding.

Just as rubbing a needle against a magnet multiple times creates magnetism, it is not only a physical endeavor but also a mental one. Correct speech, thoughts, and actions are essential, urging one to break free from covetousness, anger, and ignorance.

This is magnetization.

The term "magnetization of the body" indicates that when the mind and body unite, the body aligns with the natural energy, representing a basic state.

There may not be a suitable term in martial arts, but in religion, words like enlightenment, spiritualization, or forming the Trinity are used, describing the process of magnetizing the body. Although this concept might be easily understood and might already be familiar.

However, many people ask how to acquire this foundation.

The answer is always the same: "You already know it, or your body is already aware."

Sometimes, to dedicated leaders who have worked hard for years, it is said, "You are missing a point; quickly find it," or it is mentioned that anyone can do it because it is too simple and clear.

It is a truth found in the hearts of humans, reiterated by numerous wise figures and scriptures throughout history.

The understanding of 'One Mind, All is Known' is universal. In Buddhism, the phrase 'Directly pointing to the human mind, seeing nature and becoming Buddha' is well-known. The statement 'Your faith has healed you' also aligns with this context.

Everything is rooted in 'love and light.'

We won't delve into religion here. Instead, we emphasize the repeated study of the obvious principle of our everyday lives.

To assist in understanding, we briefly reference religion.

Even a lifetime of practice, extensive travel, and experiences won't leave a lasting impact; accumulating knowledge and memorization may be the only outcomes. This is not enlightenment practice and is a misconception. It doesn't align with the basic principles.

Enlightenment is the flow of energy.

It manifests when one holds a corner of the mind correctly. It is unrelated to scriptures or academic studies.

The teachings of Southern and Northern Buddhism, adapted according to the consciousness level of the time, are considered right or wrong depending on interpretation. The ability to extract such statements is due to an understanding of the basic nature of human life, not academic or religious expertise.

This understanding is not scholarly or professional research; it is separate from religion or philosophy. The practical realization of correct actions in daily life is distinct from the enlightenment discussed. These are separate from one another.

The flow of energy must be understood and acted upon to distinguish between knowing and unknowingly practicing. As time passes, one might gain a slight understanding of the natural secret, realizing that learning requires continuous effort, just like peeling an onion layer by layer.

Regardless, the realization of the basic flow signifies a minimal understanding of the secrets of nature. With this realization, one must responsibly continue to learn and strive to lower everything gracefully.

The journey may resemble digging the earth and swimming, but it is an infinite process, not an easy one.

In any case, the realization of the flow of energy indicates that one has learned a tiny bit of the natural secret and is now prepared to study it. This requires taking on some responsibility, lowering everything gracefully, and continuously striving.

Nevertheless, the flow of energy is essentially "fate," and being aware of it makes one the protagonist in every moment. It is highly practical and realistic.

Superstitious or fluctuating beliefs are hindrances to finding the right path. They become burdens in the last moments of life, making the final balance of life insignificant.

Even if occasionally comforting or consoling, the time and energy spent on frivolous and empty things during life become pointless and wasteful in the end.

2) Everything in the world depends on my mind.

The course of everything in the world is determined by where I choose to place my mind or how I apply my mindset in practice. 

The foundation for encountering the new me lies in the "inner script" that unfolds in each moment. It is only when I possess an open mind and the best understanding of the essence of the initial situation, coupled with the passion and energy to challenge new circumstances, that I can truly transform myself.

The idea that self-transformation is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process akin to peeling layers of an onion, suggests that one should continuously adapt and evolve with every encounter or situation. This underscores the importance of one's personal experiences. The ability to navigate through life's challenges and choose the right path in each moment is facilitated by a quick-thinking mind, preventing hands and feet from toiling unnecessarily.  Therefore, one's own experiences are crucial for this continual process of change.

One's mind and body coming together means understanding the basics and starting from there. It's about beginning with what you know about the essentials of life, as much as each person has learned and grasped.

In essence, it's having a mindset that lets you see the world as it is, entrusting yourself to it, and moving forward. It represents the ability to rise above trivialities and disharmony. In religious terms, it could mean having a mind with positive qualities or spirit, experiencing a sense of unity or connecting with a guiding force through spiritual practices.

Finding your true self means seeking that, and because it guides your life in the right direction, it's what we call the human 'path of living.

Words may come easily, but as long as we are human, no matter how knowledgeable or virtuous we may be, if we make mistakes in our speech, thoughts, or actions at this very moment, it becomes a fault. Realizing that from the moment we borrow the clothes of the human body on this Earth until we return them upon our death, we are meant to 'study moment by moment, instantly, and as it happens. 

If we can continuously recognize this, it can be considered a sign of having accumulated much learning.

3) Understanding the origin of the fundamental and essential state of the mind, and living vibrantly.

"The origin of the original mindset (본래마음자리의 근원)" is not clearly defined in the given context in Korean. However, generally, it (본래 마음자리) could refer to the fundamental and essential state of the mind.

Living vibrantly or living energetically imply living with enthusiasm, enjoying life, approaching it with a positive attitude, and being actively engaged with a sense of purpose.

To foster a clearer understanding of the origin of the original mindset, let's initially divide the human body into spirit(영), soul(혼), and body(육체).

When the myself of my mind and myself of my body unite or become one, we can explain that it resides in the origin of the original mindset. Here, the soul (혼) encompasses all thoughts and actions emanating from the body's senses, while the spirit(영) is what was brought to this earth originally, given by nature, hence named the origin of the original mindset (본래마음자리).

The source of this original mindset is the universe and nature, representing "love" or "light" itself. The foundation guiding everything is the "mind," and the functioning of the body mechanism changes every moment according to the fluctuations in my mind or inner thoughts.

This leads me in various directions throughout my life.

By aligning with the ebb and flow of the mind through Normal Mind and Even Breathing, and meditation (or prayer), I seek the "origin of the original mindset" moment by moment, instantly, as it happens.

This origin is the driving force of life, known as the "place (or zone) of love," and it can be described as the "place (or zone) of emptiness where my selfish ego disappeared." Understanding the essence of meditation or prayer through the experiences of the origin of the original mindset, it helps one not be swayed by others' rhetoric or seductions about various things witnessed during these practices, significantly reducing the time and energy that might otherwise be spent in vain.

The understanding above effectively conveys the concept of the original mindset, the connection between the mind and body, and the importance of meditation or prayer in understanding and maintaining this mindset.

Becoming one with the origin of the original mindset leads to enlightenment. In seeking the original mindset, controlled breathing and a serene mind (Even Breathing and Normal Mind) serve as tools to facilitate this realization. This can be expressed as establishing the focal point of the mind and, furthermore, abandoning oneself to reside in the place of light.

To simplify the explanation further and provide another example of Jung, Ki, and Sin, often symbolically compared to a candle flame: Jung is like the wax of the candle, Ki is comparable to the flame that burns from the candle, and Sin is the light emitted by that flame.

Managing Jung generates energy in the body (physical aspect), Mastery of Ki aids in regulating the overall vital energy of the body, promoting well-being (mind aspect), Approaching Sin brings one closer to the spirit (spiritual aspect).

This comprehension leads to the understanding that we are inherently connected to nature, and nature is an extension of ourselves.

Describing this state is often done using terms like "vibrant" or "energetic." However, it's crucial to differentiate this from the concept of Self-Acquirement.

While the merging of "myself of my body and myself of my mind" into one is commonly interpreted as "mental concentration," it is vital to distinguish and explain it clearly for a proper grasp of Self-Acquirement. Without such clarification, there might be a significant gap in understanding proper mental and physical training.

In essence, the distinction lies in whether one comprehends and practices the essence of energy or engages in it without such understanding.

Anyway, as time passes, people might gradually perceive the flow of energy through Inyeon(인연), which could be bestowed by nature. In the course of these connections, at some point, they may come to understand and experience the essence of this flowing energy. This understanding can lead to a misconception, as if one knows the very essence of the energy as if it were their own. This misconception is considered inevitable because it is inherently human. Hence, even the awkward ones are human, simply due to it being a human trait.

Why? Because anyone, as a human, tends to firmly believe that they have achieved their current state solely through their own efforts and determination, without giving due regard to the Inyeon (인연) given and encountered from nature.

For example, in martial arts, there are instances where individuals exude a similar aura. They may perceive the entire world as belonging to them, lose common sense, and fall into the misconception of being inevitably the best. Eventually, due to certain circumstances, they may face a downfall.

This phenomenon is also observable in religion, where individuals, at times, captivate others and earn money through the energy bestowed by nature's Inyeon, which is not their own. This occurs even in places or among people where it is not necessary.

Hence, in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, the foundational concept revolves around the understanding that energy is not inherently one's own, and even the body is not truly one's own. This principle is crucial as it leads to the proper cultivation of Kimu training and the ability to create Kimu-Che (Kimu body).

Not only in martial arts or religion but also in philosophy, spanning across the East and West, throughout history,  renowned philosophers, genius musicians, artists, and others are undoubtedly present. While some live a peaceful and abundant life, offering valuable lessons to many, it's not uncommon to come across individuals struggling with mental illnesses or severe ailments like diabetes or hypertension, facing difficulties and concluding their lives.

As one deviates from practicing a proper and virtuous lifestyle, it becomes harder and more painful. The point here is to acknowledge that by pretending and boasting, one may, in a moment, find themselves trapped in a pitfall.

The concept of "realizing the basics" or achieving the flow of energy, known as self-acquirement, suggests that one has just started to grasp a small part of nature's secrets. It indicates a readiness to explore what nature offers, taking on a specific responsibility and working diligently to harmonize with everything. Despite its initial appearance of simplicity, much like touching the ground while swimming in shallow water, the ongoing process makes it far from easy.

Understanding and acquiring the flow of energy can be seen not as a skill but as a manifestation of "Inyeon" (fateful connection). Those who recognize the essence of this energy and mindfully cultivate their awareness become the protagonists in every moment. This approach is highly practical and realistic. Following mystical or erratic beliefs can ultimately hinder one from taking the right path, leading to a reckoning before the end of life. Essentially, it means that the balance sheet of one's life is calculated based on actions, contributions, and receipts, conveying the idea that life may involve challenges or pain.

While there may be occasional moments of solace or comfort for those who stray from the right path, such thoughts, words, and actions are ultimately a waste of time and energy on futile and empty pursuits. Examining the break-even points of these in the final reckoning of life reveals their insignificance.

Conclusion

To some readers, the content may not sound like a discussion on martial arts training or life. In such cases, it might be that there's not yet a readiness to comprehend and accept these ideas. This is because the essence of martial arts training is a part of human life, and human life is not merely a part of nature. Understanding this fundamental nature allows each individual the freedom to act in their desired manner, paving the way for the exploration of new territories, the creation of new paradigms, or the realization of personal philosophies.

If one can grasp and embody the essence of these basics, even with just a simple martial arts movement like the straightforward cut in Haedong Kumdo, a single punch, or assuming a mounted posture, it is more than sufficient to discuss the philosophy of any martial art.

Martial arts training, as well as all life experiences, has evolved according to the consciousness and levels of understanding of people in each era. Therefore, rather than adhering to traditional thoughts and approaches, the presented focus on mental and spiritual training for modern individuals in the 21st century is based on the awareness of the current generation, learned directly from nature.

Especially in recent times, discussions about human lifespan, reaching up to a hundred or even a hundred and twenty years, have become more frequent. If martial arts training is confined solely to physical aspects, the body's mechanics will inevitably deteriorate over time, gradually limiting the scope of physical martial arts training. However, acquiring the fundamental essence discussed here, known as self-acquirement, could redefine martial arts training in the era of longevity. It aims to reveal the true nature of mental training, enabling individuals to engage in appropriate modern martial arts training (or their daily activities) in the 21st century.

People often differentiate martial arts, sports, and combat sports, describing them as mental cultivation, competition-oriented, and fight-oriented, respectively. However, the fundamental essence discussed here emphasizes that they all involve physical and mental training, as they all utilize the human body. The distinctions arise from a lack of understanding of this essence, and recognizing it makes the crucial difference in how we learn and teach.

In any case, All training encapsulates an entire philosophy within a single movement. When we say "all philosophy," it means That within a single movement, we can find the underlying essence of all things.

Contemplating each movement process according to the flow of energy, examining the direction of a single breath and a moment of the mind at rest, aware of how they are moving,

Cultivating my mind moment by moment, in each instance, immediately harnessing the energy of enlightenment (wisdom) that is given, continuously nurturing it into a harmonious and balanced mental energy, this is what constitutes proper mental and spiritual training.

Grounded in the fundamental essence, pursuing the right values and developing the right character, this is the essence of training, emphasizing the importance of building a solid foundation.

This path leads toward an advanced society, embracing the consciousness of an advanced citizen, while seeking the right values, living one's life well, constructing the right principles for family, society, nation, and worldview in accordance with one's abilities and standards.

Since the mind is only one, the energy of momentary, whimsical, or misguided words and actions, even if one has done good and truthful deeds in the past, blocks the flow of the mind's connection at that moment. Because there is only one path (or connection). This can paralyze bodily functions, be the cause of painful illnesses, and the reason why cousin buys land, my stomach knots up is because the mind is not two, but one. No matter how many good deeds one has done, it can be contemplated here that the committed sins cannot be offset. There is no law that subtracts from the wrongdoings by doing good. Therefore, we come to understand that "karma" refers to "what I am doing in this very moment." Here, we can understand that it effectively communicates the idea of the interconnectedness of mind and actions, emphasizing the impact of even momentary actions on one's well-being.

This content emphasizes the necessity and importance of the fundamental principles in martial arts training (or practical application in daily life) throughout the 21st century's centennial era. It suggests that a lifelong practice based on these fundamental principles, leading to spiritual growth, allows individuals to pursue their desires, needs, and aspirations with less difficulty, hardship, and pain.

The ultimate goal of human life, according to this perspective, is achieving "spiritual growth" while engaging in various pursuits. It acknowledges that these thoughts reflect the author's perspective, and it may not necessarily align with the preferences or temperament of every individual.

The author expresses satisfaction if the provided thoughts offer an opportunity for many people to reconsider from a different viewpoint. For those seeking more detailed information, the author recommends exploring the "Right Path of Practice" series, consisting of five volumes (Author: Kim Jeongseong, Publisher: 맑은샘). Additionally, the recently released English edition, "Searching For The Forgotten Half in Martial Arts," is highlighted as the latest and most upgraded publication, readily available in online bookstores.

Please note that the information provided is a summary and encourages readers interested in further details to refer to the mentioned book series.

■ 수행의 바른길 시리즈 (저자 : 김 정성, 맑은 샘 출판) 총 5편 소개 및 미리보기
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수행의 바른길 시리즈(저자:김정성, 맑은샘출판) 총 5편 소개 및 출간목적과 미리보기