Nine Tenets
Introduction – Part I (BASIC)
- Proper Diet
- Healthy Sexual Conduct
- Beneficial Meditation
- Control Anger
- Control Sadness
- Control Greed
- Proper Intake of Water
- Proper Intake of Air
- Proper Intake of Sunshine
Your mind, body and spirit function as an integrated whole, each requiring equal attention in training. A martial artist who focuses solely on physical development will ultimately limit their overall growth. To fully realize the potential of peak performance and controlled adrenaline (ki) response, one must understand and apply the Nine Tenets.
Adherence to these Nine Tenets is not mandatory; however, students are encouraged to apply them with sound judgment to enhance their internal (ki) power development. The choice to follow them is entirely personal, though doing so may require adjustments to one’s lifestyle. Consistent practice of the nine tenets can yield meaningful benefits, both for the individual and for those around them.
Nine Tenets – Part II (INTERMEDIATE)
The proper cultivation and flow of inner energy (ki), together with the body’s adrenaline response, depends upon many factors. Training at the dojang is only the beginning. The student of Shin Yong Do must bring discipline beyond the training dojang, making necessary adjustments in daily life to realize the full value of practice.
Within the body, each organ system contributes to overall vitality and balance. When the body is properly conditioned and maintained, it supports the efficient release and regulation of adrenaline. The health and proper functioning of the whole body are therefore essential.
As with any art, the quality of the outcome depends upon the quality of its components. If the body is neglected, its processes become less effective, and performance is diminished. The Nine Tenets were established to guide the practitioner in strengthening and maintaining the body, thereby supporting optimal energy and responsiveness.
Through disciplined adherence, the student cultivates not only physical strength, but also clarity, control, and harmony, thereby maximizing the development of their (ki) power.
The first three tenets address physical discipline and foundational conditioning. A strong body supports a strong and focused mind.
- Proper Diet
- Pork is believed to place strain on the heart and circulatory system.
- Poultry is associated with effects on the lungs and the intake of oxygen. Web-footed birds, such as duck, are considered acceptable, while open-clawed birds are traditionally discouraged.
- Scaleless fish including calamari, octopus, eel, shark and catfish are believed to negatively affect liver function. Shellfish and crustaceans, such as crab, shrimp, lobster, clams, oysters and mussels are considered acceptable within this framework.
- Spicy foods are thought to disrupt stomach balance when consumed in excess.
- Excess salt is associated with strain on the kidneys.
- Alcohol is understood to impair mental clarity and neurological function.
- Healthy Sexual Conduct
Care, restraint, and wisdom must be exercised in matters of sexual activity to preserve the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Within this tradition, excess is believed to diminish one’s vital energy ki, weakening both physical strength and mental clarity. Through proper conduct, one maintains internal balance, conserves energy, and supports continued growth along the martial arts path. - Beneficial Meditation
Meditation is practiced to cultivate stillness, awareness, and the proper flow of ki. Through disciplined breathing and focused attention, the practitioner harmonizes the body and calms the mind. Breathing should be conducted through the nose, with the mouth closed at all times. Each breath is taken slowly, deeply, and with control, drawing the air into the lower abdomen. This method of breathing develops internal stability, supports the circulation of energy, and strengthens the connection between mind and body. Through consistent practice, meditation refines concentration, restores balance, and enhances the practitioner’s overall capacity for control and awareness.
THE FOLLOWING TENETS GOVERN MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISCIPLINE.
- Control Anger
Unchecked anger disturbs the heart and clouds judgment.
- Control Sadness
Excessive sadness weakens clarity and unsettles the mind.
- Control Greed
Greed corrupts thought, disrupts harmony, and leads one astray.
CONTROLLING THE ELEMENTS CAN STRENGTHEN AND REJUVENATE YOUR SPIRIT.
- Proper Intake of Water
Avoid extremes; excessive heat or cold weakens the body and dulls sensitivity.
- Proper Intake of Air
Proper breathing sustains life and governs the development of ki.
- Proper Intake of Sunshine
Measured exposure to sunlight restores vitality and renews the body.
CLOSING PRINCIPLE
Through disciplined adherence, the student cultivates not only physical strength, but also clarity, control, and internal harmony, benefiting them to maximize their ki power development.
Nine Tenets – Part III (ADVANCED)
The Third Tenet Beneficial Mediation – The practitioner of Sinmoo Shin Yong Do must understand that meditation is not separate from life, discipline, or confrontation. Meditation is the harmonizing of mind, body, and spirit into one unified force.
The art draws from three foundations:
- From Buddhism comes discipline of the mind.
- From Confucianism comes discipline of the body.
- From Zen comes discipline of breath and spirit.
Each foundation contains six teachings. Together they form the Eighteen Principles of Proper Meditation.
He/She who cultivates only one aspect remains incomplete and who unites body, mind, and spirit develops complete ki.
I. THE BUDDHIST DISCIPLINE – THE GOVERNANCE OF THE MIND
The Buddhist discipline teaches purification of thought and mastery over emotion. The practitioner must neither suppress emotion nor become enslaved by it. When emotion exceeds balance, the body weakens and the spirit becomes disturbed.
The Six Emotional Disciplines
- Happiness: Joy gives strength to life; however, uncontrolled excitement scatters energy and strains the heart. Let happiness remain calm and centered.
- Anger: Hardens the body and clouds judgment. The practitioner must remain composed in conflict so that tension does not rule the spirit.
- Fear: Warns of danger and preserves life. Accept its presence, but do not permit it to master the mind. Worry over the uncontrollable weakens ki.
- Sadness: Excessive sorrow drains vitality and weakens resistance. The practitioner must cultivate endurance and emotional recovery.
- Greed: Desire without restraint corrupts judgment and disturbs inner balance. Possessions must never rule the spirit.
- Laziness: Weakens discipline and diminishes accomplishment. The practitioner must cultivate diligence in all actions.
II. THE CONFUCIAN DISCIPLINE – THE GOVERNANCE OF THE BODY
The Confucian discipline teaches restraint through conduct and awareness through the senses. The body is the vessel through which discipline is express. The practitioner must guard the body against corruption and imbalance.
The Six Bodily Disciplines
- The Ears – Deceitful Speech: False words corrupt understanding. Listen carefully and do not allow cunning speech to influence the mind.
- The Eyes – Flattery: Excessive praise conceals deception. The practitioner must see beyond appearances and remain free from vanity.
- The Nose – Intuitive Warning: The spirit senses dishonesty before the mind understands it. When something does not feel right, proceed with caution.
- The Mouth – Consumption: Excessive cold food and drink weaken the body (example: deadens nerves in the molars). Consume with moderation and awareness.
- The Skin – Protection of the Body: Train diligently but avoid reckless injury. Damage to the body weakens both health and practice.
- Sexual Behavior: Balanced and honorable union strengthens harmony. Excessive lust and immoral conduct destroy discipline and invite suffering.
III. THE ZEN DISCIPLINE – THE GOVERNANCE OF BREATH AND SPIRIT
Zen teaches mastery through breath. Breath is the bridge between body and spirit, and through breathing the practitioner cultivates ki. Breathing must remain long, deep, steady, and calm.
The Six Breathing Disciplines
- Fresh Air: Air from forests, grass, and living earth nourishes the body and strengthens meditation.
- Burnt and Polluted Air: Smoke, ash, and poisonous air weaken breathing and disturb the spirit. Avoid polluted environments whenever possible.
- Extreme Cold Air: Rapid breathing in severe cold harms the body. Breathe slowly and with control.
- Hot and Humid Air: Heat and humidity burden the lungs and exhaust the body, slow the breath and preserve balance.
- Dry Air: Excessively dry air irritates and weakens respiration. Guard the breath carefully in such conditions.
- Rain and Heavy Moisture: Heavy moisture alters breathing rhythm. The practitioner must remain calm and breathe with deliberate control.
IV. THE UNIFICATION OF THE THREE FOUNDATIONS
The practitioner needs to understand:
- Unbalanced emotion weakens the mind.
- Uncontrolled sensation weakens the body.
- Improper breathing weakens the spirit.
When one aspect weakens, ki becomes incomplete. Therefore:
- Calm the emotions.
- Govern the senses.
- Master the breath.
Through long, steady breathing, disciplined conduct, and peaceful thought, ki develops naturally.
- The beginner seeks breath.
- The disciplined practitioner seeks balance.
- The master unites mind, body, and spirit as one.
Three are one, one is three theory!