Continuing
To Understand Moral Culture
by Kane Raukura, IV dan
Director of Standards and Discipline
 In
the December 2006 issue of Taekwon-Do Talk, I presented an article entitled
“What is Moral Culture?” As we begin 2007, I would like to
continue from where I left off and focus on other various aspects of Moral
Culture. But before I start, if you didn’t read the last article
or you have forgotten, I will share the simplified meaning of Moral Culture
with you once more.
“Moral Culture is essentially about becoming a good person
and developing the respect of others through your actions.”
Let us continue our journey of discovery and delve deeper into the varying
aspects that surround Moral Culture. In the Condensed Encyclopaedia, General
Choi speaks of finding oneself or discovering your own human nature. What
does our Founder mean by this?
I believe he is saying to us that we must have a clear understanding
of who we are, our purpose here on Earth and our own personal identity.
It is about a developing a sense of place. Only then can we hope to earn
the respect of our peers and fellowman.
So how can you find yourself? It sounds pretty deep doesn’t it?
General Choi says there are two main ways:
- By preserving the goodness given to you at birth, ie, the innocence
you had as a young child or baby.
- By renouncing or refusing greed for material possessions or things.
Okay, the meaning of both of these is easy to grasp, but does General
Choi give us any clues in regard to how we might achieve both of these
points? Luckily for us, he does! The Founder lists fifteen key methods
by which we might achieve the above. Each is centred on improving and
discovering oneself. In this issue, we’ll have a summarised look
at the first seven:
 A.
Man may occupy two positions in a life time
That is the natural one he is born into, a member of humanity. And then
there is the one that he or she takes up in life. The idea is not to loose
perspective, remembering we are the same as each other no matter what
worldly position we hold. The first position must be guided by the five
virtues as discussed in the previous article as they will help us keep
the balance.
B. Greed is insatiable
Becoming trapped in a cycle of wanting more and more leads to discontent.
Greed can often truly blind us. The Founder states that, “There
is no better way to self satisfaction and human growth than the constant
development of a generous nature.” Therefore, giving of yourself,
sharing your time and sharing what you have with others is one way to
achieve happiness.
C. Be humble
To resist arrogance and to act with humility is important to gain the
respect of others. To act humbly and to turn away from trivial arguments
is a true virtue.
D. Self-criticism
Wisdom comes with time and experience. As we learn more, the opportunity
arises for us to be self-critical and to judge our own weaknesses and
shortcomings. As learning is a life-long process, our willingness to change,
correct, and improve our own lives should be, too.
E. Be soft
Throughout life it is important to allow flexibility, to adapt, and move
through periods of change with ease. General Choi uses the following adage,
“A tree, such as a sapling, can withstand a strong wind when it
is young and flexible but may be toppled or broken after it becomes old
and brittle.”
F. Respect of elders
Without the older generation there would be no younger generation. A
successful society is based on respect for the knowledge and wisdom of
the elders in its midst. Their experience, insight and knowledge should
never be ignored.
G. Respect the rights of others
It is important to have integrity in everyday life, to acknowledge those
that are successful without criticism. Aim to do good deeds towards others
with no expectation of anything in return. Never claim credit for the
hard work of others.
 In
Taekwon-Do, we have a great responsibility. We learn and many of us teach
techniques that can inflict real devastation. Therefore, it is of the
utmost importance that we also cultivate the spirit and the mind. As we
grow like the towering tree in Taekwon-Do, we must also allow our character
and spirit to grow towards the heavens. To be just, to be kind, to be
an example to those in society and to be the people General Choi wanted
us to be.
Truly, moral culture is at the heart of any real martial artist.
Next time… the remaining eight key methods of developing Moral
Culture.
For further information on Moral Culture check out: itfnz.org.nz/what/what_moral-culture.html
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