Shim Gum Do - Mind Sword Path

The Way of Clear Mind, Clear Thinking and Clear Action

Shim Gum Do - Mind Sword Path


THE WAY OF CLEAR MIND, CLEAR THINKING AND CLEAR ACTION

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Shim Gum Do Founding Master

Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim, was born in South Korea in 1944. When he was thirteen met his teacher Zen Master Seung Sahn Lee. He gave young Zen Master Kim a koan. "A great Zen Sword Master saw the reflection of the moon in a pool of water. He drew out his sword and cut the reflection in half and the two halves separated. How is this possible?" Zen Master Seung Sahn Lee told Zen Master Kim that he could find out the answer to the koan and attain martial art enlightenment if he came to live at his temple and follow his teachings. Following this meeting, Zen Master Kim entered the Hwa Gye Sa temple in Seoul, Korea. At the temple, Zen Master Kim's days were filled with practice. The Dharma was taught through the experiences of the daily life of the temple. Zen Master Kim's temple work of cleaning and cooking symbolized the importance of clearing the mind, taking care of the basic necessities of life and not wasting food or energy. Throughout practicing and working, Zen Master Chang Sik Kim always kept the seed that he would one day attain martial art enlightenment. When Zen Master Kim was 21, his teacher sent him on a 100 day meditation retreat. During this retreat the art of Shim Gum Do was revealed to Zen Master Kim through his meditation and he attained Mind Sword enlightenment.

In 1971, Shim Gum Do Founding Master Zen Master Chang Sik Kim officially introduced Shim Gum Do with the Proclamation of Shim Gum Do. This proclamation is the doctrinal explanation of Shim Gum Do, the Mind Sword Path as a Zen Buddhist practice and path. Zen Master Kim established the Korean Shim Gum Do Association and began teaching Shim Gum Do in Korea. In 1974, Zen Master Kim came to the United States and began teaching Shim Gum Do. In 1978 he established the American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Association and in 1991 he established the World Shim Gum Do Association unifying all of the worldwide Shim Gum Do Associations.

Currently Zen Master Chang Sik Kim lives and teaches at his temple Shim Gwang Sa, the Mind Light Temple in Brighton, Massachusetts. Zen Master Kim is also accomplished in other Zen arts - the art of calligraphy and of poetry - through which he continues to express the power of the moment. He is a published author of several books: 18 Poetry books that have been translated into six languages and "The Art of Zen Sword, A History of Shim Gum Do" and "The First Star Black Belt Forms of Shim Gum Do Zen Sword, The Manual of Course Material from White to First Star Black Belt."

In 2014, Zen Master Kim was awarded the 2014 International PEN Korean Center's Special Literature Award.  Please Visit our Books Page for a full listing.

Shim Gum Do is an embodiment of Zen and Martial Arts. Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim began formal Zen study and practice by entering the Hwa Gye Sa in Seoul, Korea under the tutelage of Zen Master Seung Sahn Lee at a young age. After several years of practice, Zen Master Chang Sik Kim underwent a retreat, to attempt to achieve enlightenment.

What is enlightenment? To speak in words of something is not the thing itself. 'Enlightenment' is the great Zen experience of attaining the state of all knowing, of elevating the consciousness, of perceiving beyond the senses and the self, attaining complete emptiness, becoming one with all. During this retreat, the forms of Shim Gum Do were revealed to Zen Master Chang Sik Kim through his elevated state and he ultimately attained Mind Sword enlightenment. Zen Master Chang Sik Kim has brought to life a new art form which transcends the traditional forms of Zen and martial arts by bringing together the non action of Zen meditation and action through the Shim Gum Do forms.

Shim Gum Do is a complete system of meditation and action meditation encompassing an entire martial system which includes: Sword, Shin Boep (which translates to mean Body Dharma), Ho Shin Sul (which translates to mean self-defense), Long Stick, Two Sword and Short Stick.

Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim lives and teaches at Shim Gwang Sa, the Mind Light Temple which is located in Brighton a Boston, Massachusetts neighborhood. He is called Sa Bu Nim by his students, which means father teacher. Shim Gwang Sa is home to World Shim Gum Do Association and American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Association and offers ongoing classes, meditation sessions and a residential training program.

News & Announcements

Dharma Talk Friday August 5th 5:45 – 7:30 PM

 

Dharma Talk Friday August 5th – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Come join us on Friday August 5th for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

No Dharma Talk on Friday July 1st

There will be no Meditation and Dharma Talk on Friday July 1st

The July 1st First Friday Dharma Talk and Shim Gum Do classes on Saturday and Monday have been cancelled due to the July 4th Holiday weekend.

Regular Shim Gum Do classes will resume on Tuesday July 5th.
The next Dharma Talk is scheduled for Friday August 5th @ 5:45 PM.

Happy Independence Day!

Today is Sa Bu Nim’s 48th Anniversary of Arriving in the USA

Happy 48th Anniversary to Sa Bu Nim!
Happy 48th Anniversary to Sa Bu Nim!

Sa Bu Nim arrived in the United States of America on June 25, 1974. Today was always one of the most important dates for Sa Bu Nim to celebrate. He was proud of his Korean heritage and equally proud of becoming a United States Citizen.

Today, we remember and honor Sa Bu Nim. We will always be grateful to Sa Bu Nim for bringing his gift of the Universal Light and Wisdom of Shim Gum Do to us.

We love you Sa Bu Nim!

Dharma Talk Friday June 3rd 5:45 – 7:30 PM

 

Dharma Talk Friday June 3rd – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Come join us on Friday June 3rd for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Dharma Talk Friday May 6th 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Dharma Talk Friday May 6th – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Come join us on Friday April 1st for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Today is World Book Day

Let’s Honor Sa Bu Nim on World Book Day

Today, April 23, 2022, is the 27th World Book Day. World Book Day was organized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Sa Bu Nim is the author of 18 books of poetry, The Art of Zen Sword and The First Star Black Belt Forms of Shim Gum Do Zen Sword. Sa Bu Nim’s poems are filled with Dharma lessons that explore the true essence of the universe, our planet, all of nature, and what it means to be human.

You can honor Sa Bu Nim and help Shim Gum Do by purchasing his books. Please go to AmazonSmile and choose American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Association as your charity and buy some of Sa Bu Nim’s books.

Sign the Petition for Establishing Sa Bu Nim Square

Sign the Petition for Establishing Sa Bu Nim Square

Sa Bu Nim came to the United States in 1974 and began teaching Shim Gum Do. In 1981 American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Association established  Shim Gwang Sa – the Mind Light Temple at 203 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton, Massachusetts; and opened the doors to all. Over the years Sa Bu Nim taught countless students who came to learn. He was a steady neighborhood pillar in the ever changing neighborhood of Brighton. He worked hard to improve the property and to bring beauty to Brighton. He spread Shim Gum Do across the globe establishing centers in Korea, the United States and Italy. Help us honor the legacy of Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim, please follow this link to sign a petition for Sa Bu Nim Square:
Sign Sa Bu Nim Square Petition

Dharma Talk Friday April 1st 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Dharma Talk Friday April 1st – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Come join us on Friday April 1st for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim. There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Sa Bu Nim is Forever in Our Hearts and Minds

Sa Bu Nim is Forever in Our Hearts and Minds

Today we honor Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim who passed away one year ago, on March 12, 2021. Sa Bu Nim will always be in our hearts and minds.

Sa Bu Nim gave us the great Dharma of Shim Gum Do – the Mind Sword Path. Sa Bu Nim taught us the way of clear mind, clear thinking and clear action. By training Shim Gum Do we keep Sa Bu Nim’s Dharma alive. If we are clear; our clarity brings truth and brightness to our families, our cities, our countries and to all humanity. This was Sa Bu Nim’s great message to our planet.

Dharma Talk Friday March 4th 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Dharma Talk Friday March 4th – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Come join us on Friday March 4th for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Dharma Talk Friday February 4th 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Dharma Talk Friday February 4th – 5:45 – 7:30 PM

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Start the Korean Water Tiger New Year learning more about clear mind, clear thinking, and clear action. Come join us on Friday February 4th for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Happy Korean New Year of the Tiger 2022!

 

Happy Korean New Year of the Tiger!

Today, February 1, 2022 is the Korean New Year; it is the year of the Water Tiger.

Shim Gum Do training helps us to keep clear minds, clear thinking, and clear action.

With clarity we can learn from our mistakes and become better human beings. If we help ourselves then we can help others.

A new year is a new beginning. We pray this year for good luck, good health and success to all who live here on our planet.

 

Happy Birthday Sa Bu Nim

Happy 78th Birthday Sa Bu Nim!

You gave us the Great Dharma of Shim Gum Do, Mind Sword Path, the way of clear mind, clear thinking and clear action.

We always remember you with great love and great compassion. We especially honor you today, January 8th, 2022, on your 78th Birthday.

Shim Gum Do is eternal because it lives in all of us and we continue to pass on Shim Gum Do and your teaching now and into the future. We are eternally grateful to you, Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

 

Dharma Talk Friday January 7th 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Dharma Talk Friday January 7th – 5:45 – 7:30 PM!

A Great Zen Master asks: Do you know your own mind? Can you see your own mind?

Start the New Year learning more about clear mind, clear thinking and clear action. Come join us on Friday January 7th for our free meditation and reading of a Dharma Talk given by Shim Gum Do Founding Master Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim.

There will be a short demonstration of the Zen martial art Shim Gum Do after the Dharma Talk.

All are welcome!

 

Happy New Year Message from Chong Kwan Jang Nim

Happy New Year 2022
Today is January 1st, 2022, it is a New Year. The past few years have been filled with unthinkable tragedies – an ongoing pandemic, natural disasters and so much loss – that have touch people all over the world. Sa Bu Nim often talked about taking care of your ‘seed’. Your seed is what it is that you want to accomplish in your life. Every moment by moment of every day of our lives are filled with challenges. Every day we all have responsibilities that we have to take care of. In the background you have to take care of your seed; nurture it. Sa Bu Nim talked about the importance of only going straight, to keep in your mind what you want. The moment you stop, your accomplishment is always just ahead or around the corner. The moment you stop, your seed will never sprout and grow.
Today a new year begins. Take a moment to reflect on yourselves and your ‘seed’. This year try to practice Shim Gum Do mind training even for 5 or 10 minutes every day. Cut thinking and take care of your seed.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with health, joy, love and success.
Chong Kwan Jang Nim

Help Support Shim Gum Do

NEW RELEASES

  • New Book Available Now!
    Day and Night:
    Selected Poems from 1990 - 2016

    Other New Books:
    The Nature of Life and Death:
    A Volume of Zen Poetry

    The Sound of Life:
    A Volume of Zen Poetry
  • Sa Bu Nim's award winning poetry book:
    Great Nature: Poems for All of Nature
    2014 Recipient of International PEN Korean Center's Special Literature Award
    • 'The First Star Black Belt Forms of Shim Gum Do Zen Sword
    The Manual of Course Material from White to First Star Black Belt'
    Please enter Books section for more information.

    Calendar

    September 2022

    Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
    1
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    2
    • No Dharma Talk today due to the Labor Day Holiday
    3
    • Shim Gum Do Class 10 AM
    4
    5
    • No classes today due to the Labor Day Holiday
    6
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    7
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    8
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    9
    10
    • Shim Gum Do Class 10 AM
    11
    12
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    13
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    14
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    15
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    16
    17
    • Shim Gum Do Class 10 AM
    18
    19
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    20
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    21
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    22
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    23
    24
    • Shim Gum Do Class 10 AM
    25
    26
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    27
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    28
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    29
    • Shim Gum Do Classes 6 - 7 PM & 7 - 8 PM
    30

    Contact Us

    World Shim Gum Do Association, Inc.
    American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Association, Inc.

    203 Chestnut Hill Avenue
    Boston, Massachusetts 02135 USA
    Telephone: (617) 787-1506
    Fax: (617) 787-2708
    Contact Form

    Map

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