The True Master Breathes Through His Heels

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/395?svc=cafeapp

진인은 뒷꿈치로 숨을 쉰다

■ The True Master Breathes Through His Heels

I first came across the phrase "The true master breathes through his heels" on Facebook. It struck me as an interesting expression‎, so I decided to interpret it in my own way, focusing on the flow of energy and breathing.

Most of my writings follow this pattern—I strive to understand things in my own way and express them in a manner relevant to people living in the present era. The Path of True Practice series, which consists of five volumes, follows the same approach. Each book is based on my own understanding and experiences.

That said, I do not claim that my interpretation is absolute. If my writing allows the reader to form their own thoughts, that is enough for me.

Now, let’s get to the main discussion.

What Is a True Master(진인)?

First, we need to define what a "true master" (眞人) is. Literally, the term means "a genuine or enlightened person." It carries a strong influence from Daoist thought. In Daoism, a true master is someone who attains great enlightenment through practice, realizes the Way (Dao, Do), and lives in harmony with nature and wisdom.

While this explanation is straightforward, it remains somewhat abstract, making it difficult to grasp fully.

Why the Heels?

The phrase says that a true master "breathes through his heels."
But why the heels?

Logically speaking, if we were to choose the body’s most distant extremities, it would make more sense to say "breathing through the fingertips or toes" rather than the heels.

The heels tend to feel dull, clumsy, or even blocked in a way. In fact, people with weak or unwell bodies often experience energy stagnation around this area.

Nonetheless, the idea that even such an obscure and sluggish part of the body is reached by the flow of breath and energy signifies a profound state of mastery—thus, the phrase "the true master breathes through his heels."

Breathing and Energy Flow

This expression‎ is closely related to the connection between breath and energy (氣, Ki, Qi). It implies the ability to distribute energy throughout the entire body with a single breath. It suggests that the flow of Ki reaches even the body's farthest edges, signifying an advanced stage of practice.

Additionally, the fact that energy reaches the heels can be seen as a symbolic representation of a body in complete harmony, with energy flowing smoothly throughout.

This means that someone who "breathes through their heels" possesses exceptional inner strength, is in excellent health, controls their energy well, lives in harmony with nature, and ultimately achieves longevity.

At its core, this concept is fundamentally linked to breathing.

A Metaphor for Mastery

Ultimately, this phrase is not merely about a breathing technique. It serves as a metaphor for a state in which one has completely mastered both body and mind through dedicated practice.

In today's world, one does not necessarily have to use the term "True Master." Anyone who understands the principles of energy flow and learns to align themselves with it can immediately grasp this concept and experience it through the practice of mindful breathing.

That said, I imagine that using such an expression‎ in modern times might sound rather amusing.

The Ideal Breathing Method in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo Training

In JinyoungSsangkumRyu, the ideal breathing method is the most natural one possible.

"Even breath(고른 호흡) and a normal mind(평상심)" are crucial in guiding one’s body and mind.

One more thing to add:

Proper breathing allows energy to settle in the bladder and then flow upward and downward throughout the entire body. This energy is light energy and a vibrational frequency(wavelength).

When one's entire body is enveloped by energy, even in a still state, there is no discomfort. The awareness of the physical body fades, leaving only the presence of surrounding energy.

Here, instead of the term "Danjeon" (the traditional energy center), I refer to the "bladder" because it is something anyone can intuitively recognize. If one personally experiences this and finds it beneficial or suitable, they may continue to practice accordingly.

Moreover, if one could visually perceive the flowing light accumulating in the bladder, it would become evident.

The Role of the Kidneys and Bladder in Healing Practice

In healing practices,
the kidneys and bladder play an essential role. Therefore, one must personally experience and understand their function in energy circulation.


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February 7, 2025
Kim Jeong seong,
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu