Morality
(Jungshin Sooyang)
The broad connotations and various possible interpretations of the
moral culture are often very difficult for the western mind to grasp
because this is an aspect of Oriental Philosophy which pervades the
lives of Oriental people. In a word, it is the endeavour and process
of becoming an exemplary person such as Confucius (552-479 AD).
To become such a person, one has to first find himself and acquire
a moral character which is respected by all. This can only be achieved
through constant practice of mental discipline. Thus, if the times
call for it, the mentally disciplined man can contribute to the
building of an ideal society through wise counsel to the government
and, even after death, through his everlasting examples.
Confucius said, "to promote the sense of morality one must treat
others with faithfulness and sincerity based on righteousness, and to
eliminate completely vicious thinking".
Part One
Everyone of us, as a social being, desires to live in a free and
peaceful society. At the same time, it is our obligation to build such
a society for the people. I have quoted various words of wisdom of
ancient saints and philosophers for creating an ideal society in the
hope that students of Taekwon-Do use them as a guide to cultivating
their moral culture.
An ideal society, according to LAO-TZU, is one in which the ruler
is of such high moral character that he can rule naturally, not by
interference or fear but by appealing to the good nature of his
people, who by merely doing their duty can live freely in peace
without fear and anxiety.
Next, a moral society is one in which the people admire and praise
their ruler in gratitude for his love and the benign disposition he
bears toward his people.
Thirdly there is a "legalistic society in which the ruler, because
he lacks the moral authority, resorts to various laws to govern his
people, who in turn obey because they fear the retribution that the
violation of these laws will bring." Under these circumstances, the
ruler loses touch with his people.
Finally the worst kind of society is that in which the ruler,
through deception and trickery, misuses his legal authority to further
his personal ambitions and imposes his rule upon his people by force
as he deems necessary. In such a society, the ruler is despised and
hated by his people and eventually invites not only his own downfall
but with him the downfall of the people and the country.
In Taekwon-Do a heavy emphasis is placed on moral culture, for it
not only promotes a healthy body and keen mind but good sportsmanship
and the perfection of moral behaviour. As ancient Greeks first
espoused in their sound mind, sound body, creative spirit concept, the
more disciplined and cultivated the mind is, the more disciplined and
cultivated will be the student's use of Taekwon-Do.
No doubt the following lessons may be somewhat hard to fully
understand; however, it would behove the serious student of Taekwon-Do
to read, digest, and attempt to grasp these very fundamental essences
of moral culture.
A. Return to the basic nature - Mencius gave the following analogy
when he reasoned that a man is basically good. Even a ruthless robber,
coming upon an innocent child about to fall into a well, will try to
save the child, forgetting for the moment, his intention to rob the
house. This good nature becomes obscured or completely lost by greed
for money and power.
B. Be virtuous - It is difficult to define what virtue is. However,
these are five human qualities which have been recognized as virtues
since ancient times; humanity, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and
trust. To be virtuous one must constantly cultivate and practice these
virtues. Confucius said, "Virtue is like the North Star. All the stars
revolve around it in an orderly fashion." Therefore, people who
surround the virtuous person, naturally will act for the betterment of
society.
1. HUMANITY (In)
The ability to feel sorrow for the misfortunes of fellow men and
love them all equally as parents love their children equally.
Confucius defined humanity in the following ways:
A. To love people,
especially one's parents.
B. Not asking
others to do what you would rather not do.
C. To behave with
the nature of propriety by controlling on oneself.
D. To have
unbending desire to accomplish what is right regardless of how
insignificant the result may initially seem when compared to the
amount of effort put forth.
E. To value
others' honour before your own.
F. To put others'
freedom, before your own.
To implement humanity he said one should:
- Practice utmost prudence, modesty and discretion in everyday
life.
- Devote oneself to assigned work be it large or small.
- Demonstrate sincerity with whole-heartedness to others at all
times.
Tae Kong Mang (12th century BC) said; "The heaven provides us four
seasons while the earth has the power to produce all living things.
This privilege is not reserved for any specific person but for all
human beings... Therefore, humanity lies in the idea of sharing the
fruits of nature with all people."
2. RIGHTEOUSNESS (Ui)
The ability to feel ashamed of unjust acts and to do one's duty to
others.
Mencius said; "for the ordinary person life and death are the most
important in the life. However, for the virtuous person to and live
and die for righteousness is far more important than life and death
themselves."
Righteousness is well defined in the act of a certain army general
depicted in the book of "War Manual" written about 2,400 years ago. A
General was taking a break from the gruelling war with his soldiers by
a river bank when an aide brought him a small carafe of wine for his
refreshment. He took the carafe and slowly emptied it into the flowing
river in full view of the puzzled soldiers and invited them to share
the wine with him by taking a sip of the water from the river.
3. PROPRIETY (Ye)
Unlike animals fighting over food, a courteous man would offer
another man a piece of bread even though both were starving, out of
respect and good manners.
Confucius said, "propriety must be practiced for the proper
development of personality, and whoever lacks sincerity in his words,
cannot be considered a gentleman."
He also said:
"Frankness without courtesy can be rather ruthless."
"Respectfulness without courtesy can make the recipient rather
uncomfortable."
"Courageousness without courtesy can be rather violent."
"Prudence without courtesy can be rather cowardice."
Ye is a term describing proper code of conduct between various
social status, for example: superior and inferior, noble and common,
old and young, rich and poor, etc.
4. WISDOM (Ji)
The ability to judge right from wrong, not especially in matters
concerning the right and wrong of others but in matters concerning
oneself.
A wise man (Yu Bee) once said to his sons, "no matter how small it
is you should not do what you realize is wrong. On the other hand you
must do what is right no matter how small it may seem."
5. TRUST (Shin)
The ability to keep one's words and promises, not only to one's
friends but to everyone in general. Without trust a person loses all
principles and dignities and becomes a liar and a cheater.
Part Two
How, then, can man discover his own human nature?
There are two ways by which a person can find himself; first, by
preserving the goodness given to him by God or heaven at birth, and
secondly by renouncing greed for material things.
A. Man may occupy two positions in a lifetime
Basically there are two kinds of position; one is the live virtues
given by heaven, explained earlier, and the other given by man, such
as a cabinet minister, bureau chief, and so on.
Unfortunately man often relies too much on worldly position which
is transient at best, for what man gives can also be taken away. On
the other hand, what heaven endows us with is eternal. This is not to
say that we reject all worldly things but rather that we keep both
positions in proper balance so that the virtues of the former position
provides guidance for the proper use of the latter.
In this manner a man will gain respect and set good examples for
others to follow. Without proper guidance, a person can easily fall
victim to the temptations of personal power and wealth, employing
unethical means to further his ambitions. Ultimately such a person
will become a tyrant, or a dictator and an enemy of the people.
According to Confucius, a generous and loving man cannot have
enemies. Therefore, humanity, the first virtue, is like a strong
secure fortress.
B. Greed is Insatiable
He who is content with what he has is the richest man in the world.
On the other hand, if one has everything and still more, he may yet be
poor.
A man who is blinded by greed is not only given to corruption,
intrigue and exploitation of others, but worst of all, he casts
himself in the position of "friend fighting against friend, father
fighting against son," finally becoming no better than an animal.
There is certain truth in the old saying that a truly good person
cannot be rich, and a rich person cannot be a truly good person.
According to an ancient adage, "constant material dissatisfaction is
considered to be the root of all misfortunes." There is no better way
to self satisfaction and human growth than the constant development of
a generous nature.
C. Be humble
A weed holds up its head in arrogance while a mature grain bows its
head in humility.
Lao-Tzu taught that lofty virtue is like a deep valley into which
all streams of water flow. A virtuous man will draw the respect of
others toward him in the same fashion while one who is selfish and
egotistic will lose the respect of his fellow man and become despised
and isolated. To be humble is not to engage in petty squabbles, but to
be like the magnamous river in the low valley which irrigates the farm
fields around it.
D. Self-criticism
No one is wise from the moment of birth.
As human beings we have many faults and are prone to make mistakes.
However, once having acquired knowledge we learn to correct these
shortcomings. It would not be impossible to eventually become perfect
human beings. For this purpose, it is essential not to be idyllic
towards learning and continue to be willing to criticize oneself.
It is said that Confucius and his pupils practiced self-criticism
by repeating the following three times daily:
- Have I neglected others' requests because of selfishness
- Have I behaved with a sincere attitude towards friends
- Have I inspired others with certainty, while being uncertain
myself
- Have I neglected to practice virtue
- Have I erred in my studies
- Have I avoided acting with righteousness
- Have I corrected myself immediately upon realizing my fault
E. Be Soft
Because light is formless and soft, it can illuminate and give
warmth to even hidden corners.
As water can assume any shape or form, it can better serve the
living things that need to survive. Once water becomes a part of the
ocean, even the largest ship is like a mere leaf, and its awesome fury
when aroused can conquer the tallest mountain.
If one claims to be strong, he will soon meet someone who is
stronger. A tree, such as a sapling, can withstand a strong wind when
it is soft and flexible but may be toppled or broken after it becomes
old and brittle. The same principle also applies to human beings.
F. Respect of Elders
As son respects parents, younger brother respects older brother,
man must always respect his elders or seniors.
This is the beauty of mankind, and one of the distinctions between
human and animal.
Mencius said there are three things of value in human society:
position, honour and moral integrity. In government, position is
considered important, in a community, honour, and for a leader or
advisor, moral integrity. Indeed, there can be no children without
parents, nor a young generation without the old generation. A society
and a nation could not avoid chaos without its culture and social
order being based on respect for the knowledge and wisdom of its
elders.
G. Respect the rights of others
To criticize someone who is better, to covet other's possessions
and to steal the merits of others are the marks of an unscrupulous
man.
Mother Nature does make claims to her domain, yet all creatures
within it acknowledge her eternal accomplishments. To help others
develop and succeed in life is a reward in itself and has a true value
only if nothing is expected in return.
Throughout human history, people who in jealousy have stolen the
recognition due to others and have stolen their possessions out of
avarice have always left dark imprints of shame and dishonour.
H. Be just
To be correct and forthright is to live one's life correctly.
Old sages used to say; "To common men, life is most valuable, and
death, most fearful" However, a righteous man would value justice
above life itself and would be willing to die rather than submit to
injustice. Such notable figures as Baek-E-Sook-Je of China,
Sung-Sam-Moon of Korea and Yoshida-Shoing of Japan all chose death in
defiance of injustice leaving to their posterity lasting examples.
Baek-E-Sook-Je lived in Chou period about 2,000 BC. When King Moo
toppled the twenty-seventh King, who was a very notorious tyrant, he
refused to serve the new King, who usurped the throne by force and not
by legitimate process; he eventually starved to death in a self
-imposed exile in the Sooyang mountains.
Sung-Sam-Moon was an important minister of the King Se Jong,
inventor of Han-Gul (Korean alphabet) in the 14th century. After the
king died and the young Dan Jong became king his uncle Se-Jo conspired
against the boy king and took over the throne. Minister Sung was later
executed because of his persistent protest over the unlawful act of
King Se-Jo. Yoshida-Shoing, one of the loyalists was also executed in
protest when the Doku-Kawa military government, at the time, tried to
abolish the Mei-Ji monarchy.
I. Be frugal
Since ancient times, excessive luxury and pleasure caused the
downfall of many kings and nations without exception and history is
full of such examples.
Persons in leadership in particular must learn to be frugal and
live moderately. As the old adage goes "if the water is muddy upstream
so it will be downstream."
An extravagant leader will affect his subordinates in this same way
and will bring more hardship to his subjects through increased
taxation and bribery. During the Lee Dynasty of Korea, the king's
roving inspector, Lee-Mong-Yong, while traveling the countryside
incognito, was invited to one of the lavish dinner parties of a
notorious governor. In the middle of the feast he recited his famous
poem:
The sweet
wine you drink from the glittering cups
Flows from
the tears of people who toil
The tender
meat which fills the dishes of jades is torn from their aching flesh
Merrier you
laugh, sadder they will weep
Louder you
sing, more plaintive their lament.
The governor and his cohorts recognizing the true identity of the
poet, became frightened and fled from the scene. Remember that there
are tears and heartaches of many behind one man's pleasure.
J. Be discreet
In every thing he does, a person must not be impulsive or reckless
but be patient and thoughtful.
"He who acts without thinking at least three times, will later
regret his action," warns an old proverb.
Accordingly, on a matter of an important appointment or punishment,
one must not decide hastily but must deliberate to reach a decision
that is both fair and objective.
K. Know true happiness
Lao-Tzu pointed out that nature was based upon harmony contrasts.
For example, the universe was made up of two forces, Yin (female)
and Yang (male). Other contrasts were hard and soft, long and short,
night and day, solid and empty, cold and warm, big and small,
beautiful and ugly.
All things in this world are relative to one another. Misery can
only come from having been happy once and sorrow from joy. The wealthy
and the powerful are not necessarily happy. For every rich person,
there are countless poor and for each tyrant, a nation of oppressed.
Mencius defined life's three happinesses as follows:
- Healthy parents and harmony within the family.
- To live with pride and honour through correct behaviour.
- To educate the young to become upright and useful members of
society.
L. Let your actions speak for yourself.
Even the ablest orator is apt to err if given to verbiage. A closed
mouth can save a fish from the hook as well as stay secrets from the
enemy. To speak only what is meaningful is a sign of a cultivated
person. People talk mostly to brag about themselves or to gain
advantage over others.
A man of virtue expresses himself more through deeds than words.
Thus, he influences others through living examples. In the old days,
the truly effective way to teach was believed to be by the actions not
by the words of the teacher.
M. Develop peace of mind
A clear pond becomes muddy if agitated and then returns to its
original state when allowed to settle undisturbed.
It is said that calm will be able to conquer the heat. Undoubtedly
you can endure the hottest summer heat if you sit calm and composed.
Conversely, if you move too much in order to warm your freezing body
you may get temporary relief, but it does not last too long.
We can attain peace of mind through meditation, by emptying our
minds of all petty thoughts and returning to the natural state of man.
Unlike in Buddhism or Zen, meditation in Taekwon-Do does not mean a
total divorce from the world, like a dead body, but rather an active
moment to reflect on our past mistakes in silence and in the privacy
of our thoughts, and through penitence, to continue our
self-improvement toward becoming better men and women. This active
thought process in silence is called "Jung-Joong-Dong."
N. Be firm of mind
A person of strong conviction is unsuspicious and unafraid. When
proved wrong, he has the moral strength to admit his mistakes to even
the most humble and has the courage to stand up to the mighty if he
believes himself or herself to be right.
Strong conviction can be gained through the broad and deep
"Ki"-spirit. Ki is a form of active energy which fills every physical
cell and organ while "Chi"- will is the motivating force: the former
moves, the latter leads. If "Ki" is nurtured with great care and
allowed to grow based on humanity and justice, its soaring power and
outreaching strength can fill the heaven and earth, enabling man to
reach a new height of great achievements, so Mencius exhorted his
disciples. On a more practical level "Ki" helps us to keep our minds
clear and alert when the affairs of life become strained and confused,
or sees us through sleepless nights when our loved one is gravely ill.
O. Be devoted
As meditation is to the religious, concentration and devotion is to
the artist, and perseverance is to the labourer, so is moral culture
to the practitioner of the martial arts. In other words a person's
unflinching dedication to his own interest and duty is the source of
life and power. Cultivation of mind, therefore, is no monopoly of any
particular person.
In fact the sincerity and effort definitely produce the belief and
the belief makes one able to reach the final goal. Moral culture is
considered to be a cultivating movement to make one devote oneself to
his work, whatever it might be, until his life and work become one.
Part Three
In summary, we can enjoy a greater freedom of action by preserving
our basic nature while making ourselves impervious to the temptation
of power, money and sex. A person who has attained this stage of
self-cultivation is sometimes called a "Saint."
It must indeed seem like an impossible undertaking to a mere
mortal. A mountain crossing begins with a single bold step and an
ocean begins with each small stream.
As ancient proverbs say; "Where there is a will there is a way."
"One should not look afar, when the way is right in front of you."
"Even heaven can be moved if one devotes himself to his cause." With a
strong will and firm determination, it is within the reach of anyone
who is willing to make the effort.
This moral culture is uniquely tied in with Taekwon-Do, not only
for the eventual attainment of the highest goals in Taekwon-Do and the
promotion of power, technique, and self-confidence, but also for the
cultivation of character. Without this, the instructor would be guilty
of imparting a devastating force to those who could eventually become
so enamoured of their newly found techniques they might very easily
become bullies or use this knowledge as a means to achieve their
personal ambitions.
