Taekwondo represents many things to many people; but one
thing that it is not is a religion. Although several masters may demand
cult-like devotion more akin to faith-based institutions and require unreasonable,
impractical and often dangerous techniques from their students, there is no
real theological component to the national Korean martial art. Yet it would be
disrespectful of history to ignore the reality that the three major
philosophical paradigms of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism have had a significant
influence on the ideology of traditional taekwondo. Consequently, while these
three systems were never
meant to be deified by their founders, it is the ethical
and metaphysical content that the martial artist distills from each and not the
religious component. From the Ten Mental Educations recited at the end of a
training session, to meditation, ki development and the respect paid to
seniors, all the taekwondoist needs to do is connect the dots between the aforementioned
practices and the Asian philosophical triad to gain a better understanding of
their art.
Buddhism, first introduced to Korea from China in A.D. 372,
encompasses the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who came to be known as Buddha
or the Enlightened One. The Buddhist canon consists of the Four Noble Truths,
the Eightfold Path and in some cases, the tradition of Seon (Zen, Chan) or
meditation. A cornerstone of this system is a belief that suffering arises as a
direct result of desire. While Buddhism was practiced in ancient Korea during
the Three Kingdoms and United Silla (A.D. 668-935) periods, it eventually
evolved into the state religion of the Koryo Dynasty (A.D. 918-1392). Later,
during the Chosun Dynasty (A.D. 1392-1910) when Confucianism ruled, the
Righteous Monk movement played a vital role in repelling the Japanese invasion
unleashed on Chosun in A.D. 1592.
Confucianism on the other hand, revolves around a blueprint
rooted in ethical and philosophical principles developed by Kung-fu Tzu
(551-479 B.C.) or in Western terms, Confucius. Encouraging exemplary moral
behavior and communal endeavor, Confucianism dominated during the Chosun era,
eclipsing Buddhism and championed scholastic achievement rather quotidian skills
of warfare. Included in this philosophy was a hierarchal respect for elders and
forbearers.
Last, but by no means least important, is the influence
Taoism has exerted on the social fabric of Korean culture specifically, and
thus traditional taekwondo in general. Noted for its focus on the relationship
between humanity and the natural order of the Universe known as the Tao or the Way, Taoism is thought to have been established by Lao Tzu (570-490
B.C.) who, as legend has it, may be a name for a combination of individuals
rather than a single man.
When we consider the connection between these three
primordial Asian philosophies turned religions, a good place to start is with
the Ten Mental Educations or the Student Creed of Taekwondo, which includes the
following principles:
·
Be loyal
to your country.
·
Be loving
and show fidelity to parents.
·
Be loving
between husband and wife.
·
Be
cooperative between brothers and sisters.
·
Be
faithful to your friends.
·
Be
respectful to elders.
·
Establish
trust between teacher and student.
·
Use good
judgment before harming any living thing.
·
Never
retreat in battle.
·
Always
finish what you start.
Upon close inspection, we find
that the subsequent actions required by this code of moral behavior rest
solidly in Confucianism’s camp. Filial piety, a deep respect for the wisdom
cultivated by elders and the placement of
the welfare of the community above self, are all signifiers of the
influence Confucianism has exercised not only on the dictates of traditional
taekwondo, but, again, on Korean society at large. Just as we bow to upper
belts in the dojang, it is not unusual in the homeland of taekwondo for juniors
to readily assist seniors in any number of situations. Similarly, even though taekwondo
is predominantly a physical art, the nurturing of the intellect through the
study of technical nomenclature, Korean history as it relates to the native
martial arts and a grasp of the rich philosophical underpinnings of taekwondo poomsae,
all subscribe to Confucian ethics.
Likewise, the virtue of using
sound judgment before harming any living thing has its source in the teachings
of Buddhism. It was the Buddhist monk Wonkwang Popsa who transmitted the
concept of using just force in battle to two, young Hwarang warriors, Kwisan
and Chuhang during the Silla era that thunders down the centuries and continues
to govern the use of modern day taekwondo tactics today. Zen or Seon Buddhism
has also contributed to focused meditation; a practice considered to be a vital
element of the traditional taekwondo curriculum. Seating in a rooted posture
emulating a great mountain, with the knees resting on the floor and the torso,
shoulders and head tapering into a majestic peak, promotes stability and
tranquility of mind while acting as a centering force prior to training.
Yet clearly it is Taoism that
contributes most to the metaphysical aspects of traditional, pure-form taekwondo.
For instance, the ancient Taoist art of qigong, or work on qi, has supplied a
roadmap for the various exercises we have come to rely upon in the Korean
martial arts to cultivate and manifest ki, the internal, animating life force
used to amplify technique. Moreover, the Eum/Yang, universally known, with some
modifications, as the Taoist Yin/Yang, provides a timeless symbol signifying
the duality of opposites, balance and an acceptance regarding the notion of constant
change. But it is the Way, recognized
in Taoism as a central doctrine, which reminds all martial artists that we are
on a path to excellence in following the Way
of traditional taekwondo.
For many practitioners, me
included, traditional taekwondo, if practiced with vigor, diligence and
sincerity, provides many of the spiritual requirements found in formalized
religion yet devoid of the complex dogma unique to such pursuits. Nevertheless,
it is worthwhile remembering that the national Korean martial art is first and
foremost an action philosophy and a physical endeavor supported by a rich
underlying philosophy steeped in ancient wisdom.
Master
Doug Cook, a 6th dan
black belt, is head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in
Warwick, New York, a senior student of Grandmaster Richard Chun, and author of
four best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient
Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional
Taekwondo - Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence and Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae: Original Koryo and Koryo, all published
by YMAA of Boston. He can be reached for lectures, workshops or questions at www.chosuntkd.com or info@chosuntkd.com.
