Understanding and Reflecting on Kimu Practice in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu - 5

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/421?svc=cafeapp

고른 호흡과 고른 마음

[Table of Contents]

1. Kimu Practice and the Art of Straight Cuts

2. Why Do We Move Slowly?

3. Balanced(Even) Breathing, Balanced Mind (Equanimity)

4. Observing the Flow of Energy as a Third-Person Witness

5. Common Mistakes Beginners Make

6. Kimu (氣舞): When the Body Dances — Understanding the Principle of Natural Movement

7. Kimu (氣無): The Principle of Non-Doing (Wu-Wei Jeongbeop)

8. The Training Philosophy of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu

《Equanimity – The Natural State of Mind》

1. Background

Last week in Australia, Branko, a Hae Dong Kumdo instructor with deep knowledge in Eastern martial arts and philosophy, asked for a detailed explanation of Pyeongsangsim (平常心), or equanimity.

So in this section, we’ll explore the concept of Pyeongsangsim on its own, with additional reflections from the perspective of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu practice.


2. What Is Equanimity?

Equanimity literally means a calm and balanced mind—a state that remains steady and unmoved. In everyday terms, it's about staying emotionally grounded, calm, and centered even when life throws challenges your way.

In deeper Eastern thought, however, equanimity goes beyond emotional calm. It represents a way of living and seeing things as they are. It’s a path to wisdom and enlightenment.

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu’s Ki-Mu (energy-movement) practice, equanimity is described as:

A zero-point state of mind

An unmoving mind

The mind of nature

A balanced or harmonious state of being


3. Can We Achieve Equanimity?

Truthfully, humans can’t sustain equanimity all the time. The mind naturally reacts, shifts, and gets pulled in many directions. Emotions rise and fall, thoughts wander, and intentions falter.

Trying to maintain a perfectly still mind continuously is impossible for any living human—it would be like being lifeless.

However, moments of equanimity are possible.

In moments of quiet stillness,

In those brief seconds before reacting,

In the pause between emotions—

We can experience equanimity.

Even if you’ve never heard the term before, you’ve likely already touched this state. The human body and spirit are designed to return to balance—it’s natural.


4. Equanimity is the Way (平常心是道)

In traditional philosophy, equanimity doesn’t just mean “staying calm.” It represents the natural state of the universe itself—a heart in tune with nature’s rhythm. This idea is known as:

“Pyeongsangsim Si Do” – Equanimity is the Way.

It reflects:

The state before judgment or desire

The mind untouched by “good” or “bad” labels

The effortless flow of nature and the universe


Equanimity is law, principle, and the path (Dao). It is the state we are all born from, and the state to which we return.

This is why so many traditions across time and culture teach:
To walk the path of life, cultivate a calm and balanced mind.


5. Practice and Equanimity

The human mind is turbulent by nature.
Emotions flare up.
Thoughts scatter.
Intentions waver.

That’s why practice is essential.

True practice is not about forcing the mind into stillness. It’s about observing how it moves, becoming aware of its patterns, and gently guiding it back to center.

Every time you pause and return to the present—
That is equanimity in action.

Over time, these moments build up.
They help us react with less agitation.
They give us space to see clearly.
And they allow us to live more wisely.

Ultimately, practice isn’t limited to temples or retreats.
It’s how we live—moment to moment, in everyday life.


6. Why Is Equanimity Important?

Because it’s the essence of practice—
And also the essence of life.

It’s not a mystical state.
It’s simply the ability to be with what is.
To align with nature.
To live as your authentic self.

A life aiming toward equanimity is a life of:

Awakening
Wisdom
Compassion
Balance

Anyone—through sincere effort—can touch this space, even amidst the chaos of daily life.

And the more we return to it,
The more we live with grace, resilience, and depth.

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Ref) On the Word “Equanimity”

The Korean term Pyeongsangsim (平常心) can be translated in several ways. After reviewing the options, Equanimity is the most accurate and complete:

Equanimity – emotional steadiness, even-mindedness

Inner Balance / Mental Equilibrium – also accurate, but more technical

Stillness of Mind / Tranquility – emphasizes peace, but may lack the nuance of wisdom in stillness

In contrast, Normal Mind is a more literal translation, but in English it often implies something average or mundane, not the deep philosophical meaning intended in Eastern thought.


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April 22, 2025 (Tuesday)
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, Haedong Kumdo
Kim Jeong Seong