Part 2 The Principle of Muwi (無爲), Stages of Training & self-reflection
작성자진영작성시간24.12.05조회수1,401 목록 댓글 0■ In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/380?svc=cafeapp
■ Part 1 : In English 영문번역 https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/381?svc=cafeapp
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Part 2: The Principle of Muwi (無爲), the Stages of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo Training, and Self-Reflection
The essence of modern martial arts training should transcend physical limits and technical mastery, ultimately leading to an understanding of life’s essence and self-reflection.
This process is grounded in clear principles and methodologies. Without learning and teaching these foundations, it is impossible to reach the final stages.
While individuals may attempt and explore this path through their efforts and capabilities, achieving the final stage may remain elusive, even over a lifetime. This is because it requires a natural alignment or destiny, something no training group, religious institution, or philosophical discipline worldwide can bypass.
As humans, we may say there’s a 99% impossibility, but holding onto the 1% possibility, we must strive moment by moment, doing our best at each turn. Recognizing this as a personal responsibility and duty can be immensely helpful.
By examining the nine stages of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo training, we can illuminate the true goal of martial arts training: a harmony of intellect (pen, 文) and martial prowess (sword, 武).
This perspective extends beyond mere physical strength or technical excellence to explore the essence of martial arts that is suitable for modern practitioners.
This article is an addition to Part 1, intended to provide further clarity and understanding.
1. The Limitations of General Martial Arts Training
Most instructors and masters remain at the first stage of training. Even those who achieve the second stage through exceptional effort and study often only reach its early phases. Typically, martial arts training is categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, all of which focus primarily on physical techniques.
For instance, Haedong Kumdo consists of three main disciplines—forms (kumbup, 검법), cutting (beki, 베기), and sparring (keyukkum, 격검)—each containing numerous detailed techniques. This process builds technical proficiency through continuous physical training.
While many schools incorporate practices such as abdominal breathing (danjeon hohup, 단전호흡) or meditation(meungsang, 명상), these alone are insufficient to fundamentally elevate a practitioner through the stages.
Most martial arts training remains fixated on physical development, falling short of fostering the mental and spiritual maturity that true martial arts should aim for.
Although martial arts often discuss integrating physical techniques with mental training, the reality is that expressions of spirituality and philosophical ideas are frequently jumbled, especially as practitioners struggle with the challenges of their physical and mental limitations. Consequently, those at the first or second stage often conflate discussions of subsequent stages with their current understanding.
Additionally, past martial arts masters, renowned for their exceptional skills, etc., are sometimes portrayed in a way that overemphasizes mysticism or profundity. However, upon closer examination, their principles often reveal themselves to be straightforward and uncomplicated.
The laws of nature, truth, and reality are inherently unified. Once understood, these truths feel simple and intuitive. Without this understanding, they may appear profound and mysterious.
Moreover, detailed explanations or practical methods that guide practitioners through the final stages are rarely found in the words of past masters. Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo distinctly separates and explains each stage from the beginning to the end.
2. The Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Approach: The Principle of Muwi (無爲)
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu introduces the “process of Muwi” from the beginner stages. This approach transcends merely repeating or overcoming technical steps, serving as a tool to help practitioners surpass their limits.
The principle of Muwi does not simply mean letting go of effort but refers to aligning with the natural flow and achieving harmony within oneself. It represents a departure from artificial exertion, enabling practitioners to realize their essence and internal transformation through the flow of life and training.
Through Muwi, practitioners experience harmony that extends beyond technical growth to encompass all aspects of life.
3. The Importance of Harmony Between Intellect (文) and Martial Prowess (武)
Martial arts should not be confined to physical mastery alone. The human body inevitably ages and declines over time. Training that focuses solely on physical development inherently carries limitations and may lead to a sense of emptiness at the end of life.
Martial arts must harmonize intellect (文) and martial prowess (武). Physical techniques, such as swordsmanship, serve as essential tools for establishing a solid foundation in life. However, the ultimate goal should be self-reflection and insight into the essence of life.
4. The “Report Card of Life” and the Ultimate Goal of Martial Arts Training
At life’s final moment, what remains is not ranks or technical accomplishments. What endures is love, cultivated from the foundation of one’s true heart.
This love represents the authentic harvest of life’s cultivation and is directly tied to the ultimate goal of martial arts training.
From nature’s perspective, it is akin to a farmer reaping the grain (spirit with love) and discarding the chaff (empty spirit without report card of life).
The physical development gained through martial arts training may offer personal comfort and solace during one’s lifetime. Similarly, enlightenment or special abilities (blessings) achieved through religious or philosophical practices may also serve as a source of comfort.
However, the “final goal of life” lies not in accumulating technical achievements or abilities but in fulfilling the essence of life through proper action. This aligns perfectly with the ultimate purpose of martial arts training.
■ Conclusion
The principle of Muwi and the staged training system emphasized in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo transcend mere technical mastery, guiding practitioners toward self-reflection and understanding life’s essence.
Through this training process, practitioners can overcome their limits, attain insights beyond technical expertise, and discover the true value of life.
Ultimately, the highest goal of martial arts training is to return to one’s original state of mind, recognizing and embodying nature’s love and harmonious existence. This path not only benefits oneself but also fosters harmony with others.
The “report card of life” is not measured by physical excellence or skill but is achieved through love and righteous action. This represents the ultimate goal of martial arts and life itself.
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December 1, 2024
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu
Haedong Kumdo
Kim Jeong Seong
