Human Life: A Journey of Practice or Suffering in Ignorance(asceticism)

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/376?svc=cafeapp

인간 삶, 즉 수행 / 모르면 고행

The contrast between Su-haeng (수행, practice) and Go-haeng (고행, asceticism) emphasizes the principles of life and the importance of dedicated training.
Su-haeng (수행) refers to the proper path that human life should follow, while Go-haeng (고행) in Korean means unnecessarily enduring hardships out of ignorance and greed, even when the solution is straightforward.

The basic concept of the teachings in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo: Technique, Philosophy, and Healing is to make understanding simple, not complicated.

Religiously, under the pretext of asceticism, many people devote their entire lives to misguided and futile pursuits, often succumbing to severe illnesses at the end of their lives

In English, this is referred to as asceticism, and it is typically pursued in the context of seeking a connection with the divine.

If you have any counterpoints, questions, or opinions on this matter, please feel free to share them at any time, and I will be happy to respond.
(bmw43@hanmail.net, +82 10 6530 2911)


However, for modern individuals who live with normal consciousness, values, and engage in economic and social activities, there is no need to endure such hardships. This topic will be explored in greater detail on another occasion.


The above content was written to help readers understand the distinction between Su-haeng (수행, practice) and Go-haeng (고행, asceticism) when expressed in English before reading the following text

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■ Human Life: A Journey of Practice or Suffering in Ignorance(asceticism)

Life itself is a practice. Without understanding, it becomes suffering (asceticism)

Martial arts are a form of practice itself. Without understanding their essence, it leads to suffering.

To be "ignorant" means enduring suffering (pointless hardships).
As the body wears out, achievements are absent,
leaving any endeavor difficult, exhausting, and painful.

Achieving "scores" is akin to passing tests through learning.
When efforts are misdirected into suffering,
there are no results to show for it.

These scores represent the understanding and love one builds over a lifetime.
The more one develops, the more one can achieve their desires and needs in life.

Ultimately, these scores are the foundation of a good life,
leading to the maturity of the soul.
Health and happiness naturally follow as byproducts.

A. Essential Questions for Martial Arts Practitioners

Practitioners of martial arts should frequently ask themselves these three questions:

1. What is my current level of proficiency in martial arts?

2. What kind of training is required to advance to the next stage?

3. What is my ultimate goal in practicing martial arts?

Regular self-reflection on these questions is essential.
The process of finding personal answers is a testament to living meaningfully.

Through this self-inquiry, one can build the foundation for a healthy, happy life
and ultimately learn how to live well.


B. The Individual Paths of Practice

Everyone has different levels and goals.
These differences stem from varying environments, education, values, and awareness.

The phrase “You are different from me” implies:
“You have room to grow, so keep striving.”

This also applies to martial arts levels.
Training that focuses solely on physical strength or winning often damages the body.
Such individuals may live without knowing the beginning or end of life,
leaving hectically without fulfillment.


C. Why Cultivating Both Pen and Sword is Crucial

The reason for cultivating both Pen and Sword (文 and 武)
is to understand the essence of life
and mature through self-discovery.

Focusing solely on physical strength and technical skills
leads only to an aging, weakened body as getting older —
like farming rice only to be left with chaff.

○ Martial arts revolve around developing three aspects in balance:

1. Technique: Mastering energy flow through repetitive practice.

2. Philosophy: Understanding the principles and logic of life through reflection.

3. Healing: Recognizing energy flow and nurturing the body and mind.


D. The Three Pillars of Martial Arts Training

1. Technique:
Through consistent repetition, one internalizes the flow of energy behind each movement.

2. Philosophy:
Deep contemplation and reflection expand wisdom,
transforming mere movement into an understanding of life's principles.

3. Healing:
Integrating life’s principles and energy flow, healing unites the body and mind.

When one follows the flow of energy,
any tool can become a means to achieve harmony.

Ultimately, one truly understands the saying:

“Everything in life depends on your mindset.”

Being born as a human on this planet, Earth, the highest blessing is to convey (or mimic) the love of nature genuinely,
even if only once in a lifetime.


E. Martial Arts and the Principle of Nature

The essence of martial arts lies in embodying the energy of nature,
allowing one to grasp the most fundamental truths.

In healing practice, rather than relying on techniques like acupuncture or chiropractic methods,
the focus should be on understanding natural flows, which is not technique.

True training begins not with rote memorization and repetition,
but when the body moves instinctively, in harmony with natural principles.

Healing practices may include acupuncture, but the core lies in following energy flow.
Once this is mastered, any tool can be effectively used.

F. Training as Practice

Martial arts training is essentially a form of practice.
Without realizing this, it becomes mere hardship — or worse, devolves into superstitious and unrealistic practices.

Our ancestors pursued the essence of life through martial arts (Muye, 무예).
While the expressions have differences and distinctions with time, the principle, law and truth of nature remain unchanged.

G. The Approach of the Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo teaches martial arts
in a way tailored to modern society,
while maintaining its fundamental principle in nature.

Although many practitioners show interest in learning acupuncture,
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu does not provide separate instruction in acupuncture.
This is because methods like acupuncture ultimately depend on the flow of energy.

Everything begins with the love of nature (wavelength or energy).
Mastering this takes time,
but when the body (self of body) and mind (self of mind) unite,
any tool can be utilized effectively.

H. The Essence of Martial Arts Training

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo emphasizes and teaches
that healing and martial arts training are interconnected.

When the natural flow of energy is internalized,
healing naturally follows.

○ Martial arts practitioners must focus on these three core areas:

1. Technique: Repetition and mastery.
2. Philosophy: Depth of thought and wisdom.
3. Healing: Nurturing the body and mind.

Practitioners must find methods that suit them.
They must also seek out teachers who can guide them properly.

A true teacher should explain the principles of the body,
demonstrate movements that follow yhe principle of nature,
and embody the principle that “everything depends on the mindset.”

This is not merely technical training but a process of understanding life’s essence.

■ Conclusion

Martial arts training is not just about technical skills.
It is a journey of learning the principles of life and achieving harmony.
The foundation of martial arts training begins here.

As 2024 draws to a close,
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo continues to spread
its teachings worldwide in ways suited for the 21st century.

In 2025, we will advance even further with renewed vigor.

November 23, 2024
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu
Haedong Kumdo
JS Kim