If Understood, It Becomes Simple and Clear, but If Not, It Becomes Long

[진영]

Subject: If Understood, It Becomes Simple and Clear, but If Not, It Becomes Long and Complicated -

"As above, so below.
As within, so without."

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/393?svc=cafeapp

알면, 간단 명료하지만, 모르면 말이 길고 복잡해진다

I have repeatedly emphasized that the three most important aspects of martial arts training—techniques, philosophy, and healing—are fundamentally based on the repeated experience and understanding of Energy Flow. This serves as the foundation for the proper initiation of mind-body training.

The depth of one’s understanding and experience in training naturally leads to reflections on the concept of Dao (道) in Eastern philosophy and the existentialist elements of Western philosophy, particularly regarding intuitive realizations about the essence of life.

Through martial arts training, one cultivates a philosophical and introspective will to understand human life in accordance with the principle of nature.

In particular, the principle of natural movement, how the body moves naturally without intention, which is the core of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo training, is not only fundamental to martial arts but also serves as a foundation for the highest levels of religious and philosophical practice.

This principle can be described using terms such as “Muneoum Musang (無念無想)” (No Thought, No Ego) and “Mu Wi Ja Yeon (無爲自然)” (Effortless Action in Accordance with Nature). However, in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, the term “Mu Wi Jeong Beop (無爲正法)” (The True Law of Effortless Action) is used to help practitioners grasp its essence.

This signifies that martial arts are not merely about physical strength and technique.

Rather, through mind-body training, one attains an understanding of the fundamental principles governing the world.
Furthermore, by analyzing Muye (martial arts, 무예) within the structural framework of Samwon (Three Principles) philosophy, one’s consciousness evolves, leading to personal transformation and self-innovation.

Ultimately, this process enables practitioners to move toward the ultimate goal of human life.

Thus, it is not just the repetitive practice of movements but a path to realizing the fundamental truths of life. This highlights the true method of martial arts training for modern people in the 21st century.

Now, let us delve into the main discussion through the following title.

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Subject: If Understood, It Becomes Simple and Clear, but If Not, It Becomes Long and Complicated

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■ Understanding the Truth in Simplicity

In martial arts, as well as in various spiritual and religious training systems, understanding and experiencing the explanations of different movements and actions that form the core of practice is often not easy.

Even if one comprehends certain words or terms, genuinely experiencing and realizing them can be extremely difficult, even after a lifetime of training.

This difficulty arises because many overlook the most fundamental and essential aspects of practice.

However, once one grasps the core essence, expressing and explaining it in various ways becomes possible. It also allows one to adjust explanations according to the level of the listener.

For example, if one takes phrases like “empty your mind” or “abandon yourself” at face value and tries to implement them literally, it becomes impossible.

Likewise, statements such as “you must love,” “love others,” or “you must be filial” remain nothing more than hollow cries if one does not grasp their essence.

This is because the words themselves do not represent the true substance of their purpose.

Only when one's words, thoughts, and actions authentically manifest externally in alignment with one's intentions, can an observer describe it using words like "love" or "filial piety".

Simply saying "I love you" can be an empty shell without true meaning.

Love is not merely a word to be spoken or an action to be performed.

Rather, love is:

Understanding,

Trusting,

Becoming wise, and

Living a life of realization.


This is the fundamental and practical meaning of love.


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■ Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Training and the Logic of Life

Training in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo begins with experiencing and realizing the principle of natural movement—that is, understanding how the body moves spontaneously.

Once this principle is grasped, it greatly aids in understanding and following not only centuries-old martial traditions but also the highest levels of expression‎ and explanation found in various spiritual and philosophical traditions.

Through firsthand experience of natural movement, one undergoes:

A shift in conceptual thinking,

Transformation of consciousness, and Self-growth and development.


Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu is often referred to as the highest elite training system, teaching the peak of mastery. However, this does not mean superiority over others. Rather, it signifies that the training process is explained clearly and systematically from the most basic foundations (starting point) to the highest level (final goal).


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■ Training, Life, and the Discovery of Universal Principles

In martial arts movements and spiritual training, difficult Chinese characters and complex religious scriptures often abstract or mystify techniques and breathing exercises.

Breathing techniques, in particular, are explained in countless ways, often using mystical or abstract language.

Even after years of practice, truly understanding and internalizing such concepts is not guaranteed.

Many spend a lifetime training yet fail to grasp the essence, merely hovering around the edge of understanding.

As a result, even at the end of their lives, they remain lost, wandering like someone trapped in a foggy maze, unsure of their direction.

Realizing universal principles is an absolute state:

One either understands or does not—there is no in-between.


If understood, it becomes simple and clear.
If not, explanations become long and complicated.


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■ The Principles of the Universe and the Essence of Life

Many people talk about Umyang (陰陽), Taekuk(太極), or Mukuk (無極).

However, from birth, human beings are already living within universal principles. Every action, thought, and spoken word naturally follows these principles.

All things in existence—the universe, nature, and even the act of breathing—are simply manifestations of these principles. Everything has always existed and unfolded naturally according to this order.

Even breathing, which we take for granted, has functioned perfectly from birth—proving that we are alive.

Understanding universal principles does not mean mastering everything in the world.

Instead, true realization means being able to apply what one has grasped in daily life, using it effectively and correctly.

As a result, one:

Avoids unnecessary distractions,

Wastes less time and energy on meaningless pursuits, and

Focuses on living a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life.


To be alive means to already be manifesting universal principles in the world.

Concepts like Umyang, Taekuk, and Mukuk are merely different ways of explaining these principles.

Yet, human ignorance and greed blind people, causing them to block their own ears and eyes from perceiving the truth.

■ The Ultimate Realization

"As above, so below.
As within, so without."

The world operates according to a single universal principle.

The only thing that wavers is the human mind.

The mind has only one true path.
If, in a fleeting moment,
One can seize even a single stray thought,

Then, at that instant,
One may stand firm
Against the ever-shifting tides of the world.

We live only once.
We come to this world only once.

If we can move a little more slowly,
Perhaps we can see
A little more of this vast world,
Before we leave.


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January 28, 2025 (Tuesday)
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu
Kim Jeong Seong