Savior Sword (활인검) - 3

[진영]

Savior Sword (활인검) - 3
In Korean 국문번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/333?svc=cafeapp

활인검 (Savior Sword) - 3

■ Subject: Savior Sword vs. Life-Giving Sword: Two Perspectives - Understanding the Savior Sword and Its Philosophical Roots with Healing

I aim to explore the fundamentals of practice through two interpretations of translating "활인검" (Hwalin-gum) into English.

When I initially translated "활인검" as "Savior Sword," I received feedback that the term could unintentionally carry religious connotations. Some perceived "Savior" as having a religious meaning, so I considered "Guardian Sword" as an alternative.

The important point is that the essence of "활인검" is not rooted in any religious context but in emphasizing a fundamental perspective of practice that views the world through the lens of nature.

The purpose of this writing is to convey this understanding.Ultimately, "활인검" presents a path to true enlightenment through harmony with nature, not limited to any particular religion.

○ Modern Meaning and Practice

Recently, I read an old interview on the internet that discussed the Savior Sword. According to this interview, the Savior Sword refers to a sword technique that allows one to subdue opponents without harming them, thus preserving life.

Although this interpretation is understandable, it is a rather limited explanation. Describing the Savior Sword from a human perspective reduces it to a mere outcome of technical skill, as in the interview, and overlooks the deeper spiritual aspects of practice.

Practice is not something separate from daily life but should be applicable and useful in every moment. Otherwise, there is no reason to practice.

True practice must be viewed from the perspective of nature and at least from the standpoint of a third party. This is the fundamental method for understanding the essence of practice.

This is what guides proper practice, and throughout life, it serves as a companion, a source of wisdom, and a guiding light.

In Jin Young Ssangkum Ryu training, the emphasis on 체득 (Cheduk, Kimuche, Kimu-body) plays a crucial role as a tool for correct practice.

Without understanding this principle, no matter how much you practice, the results will be negligible.

Ultimately, this is akin to wandering aimlessly through a maze in the mist, from the moment you come into this world until you return.

Without grasping these basics, one might mistakenly believe that achieving enlightenment or exhibiting some spiritual prowess equates to being an awakened or exceptional person.

○ The Modern Meaning and Practical Possibilities of Practice

The modern meaning and practical possibilities of practice are well-explained in the five-volumes series (Korean version) "The Right Way of Practice" and the both books(Emglish version) "Think Out of the Box through Haedong Kumdo Training" and "Searching for the Forgotten Half in Martial Arts".

These publications sincerely explore the possibilities of practicing within daily life, explaining how to achieve health and happiness through harmony and balance inside and outside the body.

Moreover, by recognizing the flow of energy through sword training, they illustrate how to improve technical skills and understand and learn how to reach a philosophy and healing that connects to one principle.

○ The Essence and Interpretation of the Savior Sword

Returning to the main topic:

The sword is fundamentally a tool for killing. The reason I translated "활인검(Hwalinkum)" as "Savior Sword" is through inspiration from the Finnish Haedong Kumdo practitioner Valeriu Gabriel's message and the book introduction by Christine, a Haedong Kumdo instructor in the USA.

☆Valeriu Gabriel said:
"I remember the Japanese term 'Katsujinken,' which refers to the 'Life-Giving Sword' concept taught by Master Warrior Yagyu Munenori."

Here is the book cover shown by Christine, the Haedong Kumdo instructor in the USA.

As one of the senior instructors learning and teaching Haedong Kumdo, I am always willing to responsibly assist with questions or doubts about the sword.

The origin of this article on the Savior Sword began with Branko, a Haedong Kumdo instructor in Australia.

Since these writings are based on my practice experiences, I do not claim that my thoughts or explanations are entirely correct.

It is sufficient if each person can develop their thoughts.
Ultimately, it is only through personal experience that one can truly understand. Even then, the level or degree of understanding can vary widely.

It is up to each individual to apply insights gained from personal experience to martial arts training and daily life.

○ Changing Human Consciousness and the Pursuit of Values Through the Ages

Before diving into the main discussion, I want to emphasize that human consciousness has continuously matured and evolved over time. From feudal times through industrialization and the information age to the AI era, human consciousness and value systems have significantly diverged from those of the past.

○ Yagyu Munenori's "The Life-Giving Sword"

The Life-Giving Sword (Katsujinken, 活人劍, The Life-Giving Sword) is a book written by Yagyu Munenori that integrates swordsmanship and Zen philosophy.

Written in the early Edo period, this book emphasizes the importance of not only the physical techniques of combat but also the mental and spiritual dimensions.

Yagyu Munenori's intention was to convey that the ultimate goal of martial arts is not to defeat opponents but to achieve inner peace and harmony with the world.

○ Savior Sword (Hwalinkum, 活人劍) Translations: Savior Sword and The Life-Giving Sword

From the fundamental perspective of practice, these translations can evoke thoughts about the comprehensive meaning of the Savior Sword and desirable ways of practicing it. This is why I write this article.

The translation of Savior Sword highlights practice from the perspective of Nature, emphasizing harmony and balance.

It implies "Love and Energy of Nature" and encapsulates the basic principles of practice by constantly approaching its essence.

In other words, the implied meaning of Savior Sword is to develop one's abilities through harmony with nature and recognize natural energy.

When one can discern the right path in daily life, the true meaning of the Savior Sword can be understood and realized.

On the other hand,
The Life-Giving Sword (Katsujinken, 活人劍) is viewed from a human perspective, emphasizing moral duty and responsibility based on human agency and ethical choices to foster peace and prevent unnecessary violence and killing.

26 July 2024
JS Kim

To be continued.