Shimkum" (Mind Sword, 心劍) - Love

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/343?svc=cafeapp

심검 (Shimkum) - 사랑

Through the 2021 Bulgarian Workshop

Sent by Branko, an HK instructor in Australia 🇦🇺

The above writing on "Shimkum" (心劍) is explained from a highly human-centric perspective, interpreting the concept of "Shimkum" based on the literal meaning of the characters.

The state of Shimkum above, when truly understood, is simple and clear, as it aligns with the one principle that connects everything.

This discussion begins with a question from Branko, an HK instructor in Australia.

To briefly summarize Shimkum:

Shimkum, along with concepts such as "Hwalin-kum," "Yangsaeng-kum," "Kumseonillyeo," and "Kumailche," symbolically represents the sword.

○ Domain: B zone
○ State: No-self (Mu-A, 무아)
○ Effect: Unity with nature
– harmony and balance
○ Essence: Love

Let's first examine the interpretation of the word itself.

■ Interpretation of the Term

"Shimkum" (心劍) is a concept that symbolizes a state of mind represented by the sword.
There is no physical entity called "Shimkum"; rather, it symbolically expresses the relationship between the sword and the mind.

Shimkum is primarily used to express a mental state or inner strength and can be applied beyond swordsmanship to various aspects of life.

Furthermore, the symbolic meaning of the sword is often used in political contexts, such as in sharp confrontations or addressing social injustices, symbolized by the judiciary's blade or a decisive battle.
- Jinkum Sungbu (진검 승부)

■ Martial Arts

Martial arts encompass three interconnected elements: technique, philosophy, and healing.

These elements are directly linked under one principle and interact with each other.

Once understood, they are simple and clear, though they haven't been taught in this way until now.

If any of these three elements are missing in martial arts training, the training will inevitably be incomplete. This is because these three elements are interconnected and operate under a single principle.

Next, let’s explore Shimkum from these three perspectives:

1. Shimkum from the Perspective of Technique:

From the technical perspective, Shimkum refers to the unification of swordsmanship techniques and the mind.

The basic concept of Kumailche or Kumsimillyeo (unity of sword and mind) is:

1) The sword follows the body,
2) The body follows the mind (the human mind + E),
3) The mind follows the energy of nature (the natural mind + E).

The first and second points are understandable and can be trained accordingly, but the third point, though understandable, is not easy to train alone.

Therefore, Ki-mu training teaches the flow of energy. In particular, involuntary body movements are a crucial part of this training that one can experience firsthand.

Eventually, at a certain level, one can achieve the same effect with or without the sword because one realizes that the mind controls the sword and the body.

As a continuation of this training, in Jin-yeong Ssangkum-ryu, the same effects can be achieved using any tool, such as a needle (needle; Shin-chim, Vipassana-Acupuncture) for training.

Reaching the state of Shimkum means treating the sword as an extension of the mind, beyond mere proficiency in handling the sword.

However, as humans, we can never achieve perfection and can only continually strive towards it. Also, no matter how advanced one's technical abilities are, they do not define Shimkum. Therefore, "Inyeon" is important.

2. Shimkum from the Perspective of Philosophy:


Philosophically, Shimkum symbolizes a spiritual state that seeks harmony between the human inner self and the external world.

Shimkum transcends mere technical mastery, representing a state where human reason, intuition, and cosmic harmony are integrated into one.

Through Ki-mu training, the emphasis is on the world of emptiness (Nothingness Zone).

This refers to the B zone in the diagram.

Philosophical Shimkum represents the state of inner harmony and balance achieved through swordsmanship, ultimately leading to the unification of humans, nature, and the universe.

It allows one to see everything fairly and justly, gaining the wisdom to make the right decisions in life. Ultimately, it leads to understanding love through the energy of nature.

3. Shimkum from the Perspective of Healing:


From a healing perspective, Shimkum symbolizes the sword as a tool for achieving inner healing and balance.

In this view, the sword is not merely a tool for defeating an opponent but a means to care for one’s physical and mental health and to heal the mind and body.

The state of Shimkum represents the B zone in the diagram, a place of no-self where stress and anxiety do not exist, and where one can regain harmony and balance of the mind, i.e., peace.

While this could be described as a state where the mind is focused, and inner peace and harmony are achieved while handling the sword, this is a lower-level explanation.

The healing state of Shimkum requires an understanding that my body is not mine, nor is the energy flowing through me.

This recognition and establishment lead one into the "Nothingness Zone," guiding them moment by moment.

Based on this, one can use the body to recognize the reality of Energy Flow, detect the opening and blockage of energy, and utilize it as a tool for mental and physical healing for oneself and others.

This foundation allows individuals to achieve harmony and balance in their lives, eventually becoming accustomed to living in unity with nature.

As humans, perfection is unattainable, but with continuous effort, one can move closer. The human body is designed this way.

■ Comprehensive Explanation of Shimkum - Love

Shimkum (心劍) is not a physical sword but a concept that symbolizes the human inner self and mental state, used to express the state of swordsmanship and mental discipline. The term signifies mastering the mind and pursuing inner peace and strength through the sword.

In swordsmanship, Shimkum goes beyond mere technique, representing the unity of mind and sword, considered the ultimate goal and philosophical ideal for practitioners.

Shimkum explores the relationship between the sword and the mind, emphasizing the connection where the sword follows the body, and the body follows the mind.

After extensive training, when the sword is no longer seen as a mere tool but as an extension of the mind, one can finally reach the state of Shimkum.

This is because the mind's energy governs all movements, leading the sword wielder to a harmonious state where they, the sword, and nature become one.

From a meditative perspective, Shimkum represents the state where the sword and practitioner become one, with all movements flowing naturally and without conscious intention.

In this state, the practitioner attains the state of no-self, forgetting themselves and becoming one with nature, achieving harmony and balance.

This connects with concepts like Hwalin-kum, Yangsaeng-kum, Kumseonillyeo, and Kumailche, symbolizing the highest spiritual state that a practitioner can achieve.

Ultimately, Shimkum transcends the concept of martial arts, symbolizing the inner discipline and spiritual completion of a person, striving to achieve true harmony and balance.

Trying to describe the state of Shimkum in words can be endlessly expansive and infinitely detailed. Simply reading and understanding the many elaborate phrases in books will not lead to the state of Shimkum.

When you truly understand, it is simple and clear. This is the truth, the principle, and the law.

The state of Shimkum can be described in one word: it is the "love" given by nature.

August 20, 2024
A couple of days before departure for the 2024 Bulgarian Workshop
JS Kim

cf)

° Definition of Inyeon in Korean

"인연" (Inyeon) is a complex and deeply meaningful concept in Korean and other East Asian cultures, often associated with Buddhism. It can be translated into English as "fateful connection," "karmic connection," or "destined relationship." However, a simple translation doesn't fully capture its nuanced meaning.

■ Detailed Explanation:

Inyeon refers to the idea that the relationships and encounters we experience in life are not random but are influenced by past actions, choices, and karmic ties. These connections are believed to arise due to a combination of causes and conditions from both past lives and present circumstances. The concept implies that people meet, part, and interact for specific reasons, often beyond their immediate understanding, and these interactions can have significant impacts on their lives.

■ Key Aspects of Inyeon:

1. Karmic Influence:

Inyeon is rooted in the belief that our current relationships are shaped by the karma (the sum of one's actions in this and previous states of existence) accumulated in past lives. The idea is that individuals are brought together by unresolved karma or shared past experiences.

2. Fateful or Destined:

Inyeon suggests that some connections are destined or fated. These relationships, whether brief or lifelong, are seen as part of a larger cosmic or spiritual plan.

3. Cause and Effect:

Inyeon also reflects the Buddhist principle of cause and effect. The connections you form with others result from causes (actions, thoughts, or events) that create the conditions for those relationships to happen.

4. Significance of Every Encounter:

Every encounter is considered significant, whether it is with a stranger, a friend, or a loved one. Even fleeting meetings are seen as part of a larger pattern of connections that carry meaning and purpose.

5. Positive and Negative Inyeon:

Not all inyeon is positive; it can also refer to difficult or challenging relationships, which are seen as opportunities for spiritual growth or as consequences of past actions that need resolution.

In summary, "Inyeon" encompasses the idea that the people we meet and the relationships we form are not coincidental but are influenced by a complex web of karmic ties, past experiences, and spiritual destiny. This concept encourages a sense of mindfulness and reverence toward all encounters, recognizing their potential importance in one's life journey.

° Definition of Shimkum in Korean

"Shimkum" (심검) can be translated into English as "Mind Sword" or "Sword of the Mind."

The term combines "Shim" (심, 心), meaning "mind" or "heart," and "Kum" (검, 劍), meaning "sword."

Therefore, "Shimkum" refers to a concept where the sword is symbolic of the state or discipline of the mind.