Consideration of Human Life's Journey Through Kong

[진영]

The Journey of Human Life Through Emptiness (空) and Mind-Body Training in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/397?svc=cafeapp

공을 통한 인간 삶의 여정과 진영쌍검류 수련을 통한 심신수행

■ Subject : The Journey of Human Life Through Emptiness (空) and Mind-Body Training in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu

Reference: The parts marked in red in the above diagram, though expressed and explained differently, represent the same area or have the same meaning, which is indicated as "Emptiness (空)." This corresponds to Area B in the diagram below and signifies the invisible world.

○ Overview

This diagram illustrates the journey of human life, not just as a cycle of birth and death, but as a transformative process through practice and enlightenment.

1. Depiction of Emptiness (空) through "Form is Emptiness" (色即是空)

2. Explanation of Emptiness through the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures

3. Teachings across Different Eras

4. Distinguishing the Visible and Invisible Worlds

These elements are used to visually represent the journey of human life based on practice and enlightenment.

While terms like "Form is Emptiness" and "Ten Ox-Herding Pictures" were expressions tailored to the consciousness of people in their respective eras,
Point (4) simplifies these concepts for modern 21st-century individuals.

Point (3) is a highly subjective interpretation based on personal study, and whether it is correct or not is up to individual judgment.

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○ Diagram Explanation

The diagram clearly distinguishes each numbered stage, emphasizing that after completing Step 3 (Practice and Enlightenment), the choice made determines one of three main paths (Step 4, 5, or 6).

1. Core Message of the Diagram

All humans:

Are born (Step 1) and live as they are given.

Through a specific event or profound encounter,

They gain an opportunity to begin study (Step 2)

And a chance to attain enlightenment (Step 3).


After enlightenment, the chosen path is crucial:

Step 4: Living a balanced life after enlightenment.

Step 5: Failing after practice and falling into despair.

Step 6: Continuously growing faith and love through correct practice in daily life until the last moment of life (spiritual growth).

Step 7: Repeating an ordinary life without any practice or enlightenment.


Ultimately, walking the path of Step 6 through personal enlightenment and study is the ideal direction, leading to the ultimate goal of human life: spiritual growth. This transcends time and is connected to eternal teachings.

In the diagram, the Steps 2, 3, and 4 can be expressed as:

Teachings of nature, guidance of nature, companionship with nature, and love of nature

Religiously, this process can be explained as Buddha-nature realization, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, or the Trinity process


○ In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu (진영쌍검류) training,

This is depicted as Body-Magnetization (몸의 자석화), Self-Acquirement (체득), and Kimu-body (기무체, Kimu-che).

To study this process, practices such as Vipassana-Acupuncture Practice (신침수행) and Kimu Practice (기무 수행) exist.


○ Through Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo,

The process of martial arts training (techniques, philosophy, and healing) continuously emphasizes the beginning and end, illustrating the path to the ultimate goal of human life: spiritual growth.

This explains why most martial arts instructors find it extremely difficult to progress beyond the first or second stage of training in the previously mentioned stages of practice.

2. Connection Between Enlightenment Methods Across Eras

By examining the teachings from different eras in the diagram—2,600 years ago, 1,600 years ago, and the present day—we can understand how the practice of enlightenment has evolved through human life's journey.

○ 2,600 Years Ago (Shakyamuni Buddha)

→ Gradual Enlightenment through Progressive Practice
(One by One for Enlightenment)

Even after reaching Step 3 (Completion of Practice), one continues to steadily progress toward enlightenment through ongoing refinement and dedication.

○ 1,600 Years Ago (Bodhidharma)

→ Sudden Enlightenment in a Single Moment
(Entry through One)

After completing Step 3 (Practice), one returns to daily life and achieves Step 6 (Deeper Enlightenment) through proper practice in real life.

○ 21st Century (Modern Times)

→ Instant Enlightenment through Mind Awakening
(Instant Entry by Mind)

As time has progressed, practice methods have evolved toward more immediate and direct approaches. In today’s era, it is possible to attain enlightenment instantly.

I am the founder of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo, introducing a martial arts and spiritual training system based on Kimu practice for the first time in the 21st century. This system presents both the beginning and ultimate goal of martial arts training and human life.

Although the core teachings of the Buddha from different eras have largely been disconnected, in the modern era, Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu martial arts practice is reviving these teachings.

In the future, I may also explore the interrelationship between the teachings of Confucius, Jesus, and Buddha, if the opportunity arises.

3. Relationship with the Ten Ox Herding Pictures (십우도, 十牛圖)

The process of enlightenment in the Ten Ox Herding Pictures (십우도) closely correlates with the diagram representing the human journey of practice and enlightenment.

Here’s how they align:

Step 3 (Completion of Practice) → Stages 7–8 of the Ten Ox Herding Pictures
(Forgetting the Ox, Forgetting the Self & Returning to the Source)
→ This represents the process of exploring the self through practice and realizing one's true nature.

Step 4 (Returning to Ordinary Life) → Stages 9–10 of the Ten Ox Herding Pictures
(Entering the Marketplace with Helping Hands & Returning to the Origin, Coming Back to the Source)
→ After attaining enlightenment, one returns to the world and lives naturally, integrating wisdom into daily life.

Step 6 (Further Progress toward Higher Enlightenment) → The Ultimate Goal of Human Life
→ This signifies the ultimate stage of human spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Thus, this diagram is a modern reinterpretation of the enlightenment flow described in the Ten Ox Herding Pictures.


4. The Journey of Life and Enlightenment

Through the diagrams above, the key messages can be summarized as follows:

a) The way one lives after practice determines the outcome of life.

If one continues the practice, they achieve enlightenment and spiritual growth (Step 6).

If one abandons the practice, they may wander aimlessly or fall into despair (Step 5).

b) Although the methods and expressions of practice differ by era, the fundamental truth of enlightenment remains unchanged.

In the past, step-by-step training was necessary.

Today, instant enlightenment is possible.

The methods of teaching evolved according to the level of consciousness and education of each era.

c) Enlightenment is not exclusive to a select few—it is a path open to everyone.

As time progresses, the barriers to spiritual practice have lowered, making instant enlightenment accessible in modern times.

d) This entire process aligns with the Ten Ox Herding Pictures.

Enlightenment ultimately means returning to one’s original nature (반본환원, Returning to the Source).

○ Final Thoughts

These diagrams simplify the journey of human life and spiritual practice in relation to historical changes, emphasizing that the fundamental principles of practice and enlightenment remain timeless.

Since the beginning of human civilization, the essence of the teachings of saints and sages has always emphasized righteous practice in daily life.

Their teachings were never about scriptures or rituals,

But about practicing righteousness in daily life to achieve health and happiness.

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Practice and Its Spiritual Foundations

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training is based on the principles of nature, recognizing the flow and blockage of energy.

By understanding the principles of movement and energy,

One magnetizes the body (Body-Magnetization) and internalizes wisdom(Self-Acquirement),

Creating a Kimu-body(Kimu-che),

While learning sword techniques, martial arts philosophy, and healing methods.

Ultimately, through martial arts training, one reaches the ultimate goal of human life.


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February 7, 2025
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu
Kim Jeong Seong