Man may occupy two positions in a lifetime
Basically there are two kinds of
position; one is the five virtues
given by heaven (humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom,
trust), the other is given by man, such as a cabinet minister,
bureau chief, and so on. Unfortunately man often relies too
much on worldly position which is trasitory at best, for what
man gives can also be taken away On the other hand, character
virtues are eternal. This is not to say we reject all worldly
things but rather that we keep both positions in proper balance
so that the virtues of the former position provide guidance
for the proper use of the latter.
Greed is insatiable
According to an ancient adage, "Constant
material dissatisfaction is considered to be the root of all
misfoutunes." There is no better way to self-satisfaction
and human growth than the constant development of a generous
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, one who is selfish and egotistical
will lose the respect of his fellow man and become despised
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.
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 it to survive. Once water becomes 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.
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, Age, and Moral Integrity. In government, position
is considered important, in a community, age, 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
the wisdom of its elders.
Respect the rights of others
To criticize someone who is better,
to covet others' possessions and to steal the merits of others
are the marks of an unscrupulous man. Mother nature does not
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 greed have always left dark imprints of shame and dishonor.
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.
Since ancient times, excessive luxury
and pleasure caused the downfall of many kings and nations,
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."
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 jade is torn from
their aching flesh
Merrier you laugh, sadder they will weep
Louder you sing, more plaintive their lament.
In everything 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.
Know true happiness
Lao-Tzu pointed out that nature
was based upon harmony in 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, day and night,
solid and empty, cold and warm, big and small, beautiful and
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
1) Healthy parents and harmony within the family.
2) To live with pride and honor through correct behavior.
3) To educate the young to become upright and useful members
Let your actions speak for yourself
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
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.
Develop peace of mind
A clear pond becomes muddy if agitated
and then returns to its original state when it is allowed to
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
We can attain peace of mind through meditation, by emptying
our minds of all petty thoughts and returning to the natural
state of man. Meditation in Taekwon-Do is 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 or women.
Be of firm 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
courage to stand up to the mighty if he believes himself to
be right in all matters.
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 be the motivating
force: The former moves and 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 deciples.
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.
As meditation is to the religious,
concentration and devotion is to the artist, and perseverance
is to the labourer, so is moral culture is 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 monolopy 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.