Shim Gwang Sa

Proclamation:

Shim Gum Do

A response to the perceived strength of demons and weakness of Dharma of the current age aims to counteract attachment to machine technology, which is believed to lead people away from their true selves. Shim Gum Do teaches the correct functioning of energy, and how to attain great compassion and wisdom. Which ultimately, through following the path, leads to the cessation of suffering and understanding of the Bodhisattva Way.

• “Shim” means mind
  • Derived from the Avatamsaka Sutra, emphasizes that all things are created by the mind alone.
  • Encourages cutting off all thinking to return to the substance and universal substance, referred to as the “primary point.” 
  • The clear mind, like space, without name and form, is considered the Absolute, where everything becomes one.                     
• “Gum” means sword
  • Described as having two aspects: a killing Gum and a life-giving Gum. Both of which helps find true wisdom by breaking all “demons” in the way of the truth.
  • Represents breaking down obstacles, finding the truth, and repulsing enemies of peace.
  • Teaches the Great Bodhisattva way by “cutting off” ignorance leading us to complete freedom

• “Do” means path
  • Quoted from Zen Master Nam Cheon: “Everyday mind is the path.”
  • The true way has no gate, emphasizing the removal of personal opinions and conditions.
  • The Great Way is gateless when opinions and conditions disappear.

Practicing the art of Shim Gum Do:

• Aims to attain a clear mind, putting Zen into action
• the right use of energy, mind and body energy alignment
• alignment with the Great Vow of Great Love and Great Compassion.
• Practitioners become one with the Three Jewels or “Three realms”: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Relation to other Communities:

• Zen Master Chang Sik Kim is the 79th patriarch of the Zen Buddhist dharma lineage from the Jogye Order denomination of Korean Buddhism
• Zen Master Chang Sik Kim’s proficiency with a sword was compared to Musashi, the founder of Kendo  

Understanding of Buddhism:

In the profound framework of Buddhism, the Three Realms, also known as the Three Jewels, embody the essence of the spiritual journey. The first jewel, Shim or Buddha, symbolizes the embodiment of correct emotion, meditation, belief, and beauty, encapsulating the enlightened qualities of the Buddha. The second jewel, Gum or Dharma, represents intellectual wisdom and the understanding of truth, emphasizing the significance of knowledge in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The third jewel, Do or Sangha, signifies correct will, adherence to precepts, dedicated practice, and the cultivation of goodness within the Sangha community. Additionally, the Three Mind Sword elucidates the path to the perfection of truth, goodness, and beauty through the attainment of correct emotion (Shim), correct wisdom (Gum),and correct will (Do). This journey, akin to a condensed Eightfold Path, leads to a transformative state characterized by complete peace, profound inner brightness, and ultimate freedom, offering a vision of spiritual fulfillment and harmony.

• Three Realms (Three Jewels) – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha:
  • Shim (Buddha): Represents correct emotion, meditation, belief, and beauty.
  • Gum (Dharma): Represents intellectual wisdom and understanding of the truth.
  • Do (Sangha): Represents correct will, precepts, practicing, and goodness.

• Three Mind Sword – Perfection of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty:
  • Attainment of wisdom Gum, correct emotion Gum, and correct will Gum is seen as the perfection of truth, goodness, and beauty. Similar to a condensed 8 fold path
  • Results in a world of complete peace, great insight, and freedom.

Community Funding:

The SGD community at Shim Gwang Sa is funded through a few means. Firstly they have a donations page above the community calendar that is present on every page of their website. Another means this community is funded is through their membership status which allows practitioners to take the action-meditation classes, under which there are 6 branches listed above. While the fees of membership at SGD remain undisclosed on their website the alternate path of becoming a Residential member at the temple does incur fees. For a 6 month residency contract the cost of living in the temple is $1,250 per month, and for a 1 year contract the cost is $1,100 per month. Additionally, a $100 monthly fee is added if parking is necessary for residential training members. For any other community funding needs there are other ways of acquiring funds in the way of grants; such is the case for the current restoration of the Shim Gwang Sa bell tower. Many of these funds are granted through the status of Shim Gwang Sa as a historic building which is being preserved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.