Grandmaster Suh, Kuk Sool Families, Ladies &
Gentlemen:
First of all, I would like to thank Grandmaster
In Hyuk Suh for inviting me to this wonderful event.
Also, I appreciate greatly the warm, heart-felt
welcome from Texas Governor Rick Perry, which came
in the form of an Honorary Citizenship. I am also
grateful for the keys to the cities of: San Antonio
& Houston, TX; New Orleans, LA; and Fort Myers,
FL, as given by each of the mayors of those great
cities. Additionally, I would like to thank the
U.S. Air Force Academy for the special presentation
of their sword, and finally, I thank the Korean
General Council and everyone from all parts of the
world, for their presence here tonight.
I wasn＊t
sure if I would get a chance to speak to you,
but I have always wanted to say this to the American
public: Half a century ago, many American soldiers
died in the Korean War (1950-1953) fighting for
the freedom of my people, and I would like to
personally express my sincere gratitude for those
brave individuals and their families, for such
a benevolent & unselfish act.
Following the war, the U.S. Government and its
people continued to graciously support our country＊s
reconstruction, so that Koreans would have the
ability to enjoy democracy, freedom, and economical
success. We owe it to you and I will never forget
that! I think perhaps, that it was a similar gratitude
that Grandmaster Suh must have felt, which made
him decide to come to the United States to spread
the traditional art of Kuk Sool, a most treasured
& sacred form of martial arts in Korea, as
a token of his appreciation to the American people.
As you know, the world is constantly under many
conflicts, from personal; to regional; to national;
and international; as well as religious conflicts.
This constant conflict is not only a form of sickness
that destroys tangible objects, but it is also
a disease that slowly kills our mind and soul.
The only way to combat this illness is to reclaim
what we have lost our sense of SELF.
Originally, humans come into the world pure and
innocent. In fact, our existence is a testament
to truth, righteousness, benevolence, and love.
However, with the loss of SELF, we have also lost
our truth, righteousness, benevolence, and love.
All that remains is conflict, hatred, and endless
pain. Therefore, we must find our SELF and quickly,
as SELF is never too far away. You might think
that SELF is an abstract or mystical thing, but
it is as easy to see as your own reflected image
upon still waters. So take just a few minutes
a day out of your busy schedules for some quiet
introspection.
I believe Kuk Sool to be not only a form of traditional
Korean martial arts, but also an aid to finding
SELF. After all, its primary focus is on self
protection, not only in defense from an attacker,
but also in maintaining good physical, mental,
and spiritual health. With Kuk Sool training,
I hope you attain your individual goals of a healthy
body, an indomitable spirit, and a strong sense
of SELF through meditation and reflection. In
this way, I feel you can use Kuk Sool as an antidote
to the poisons I spoke of earlier. I firmly believe
with Kuk Sool training, you will be making yourself
a better person and this world a better place
in which to live.
In conclusion, I commend the true spirit of Kuk
Sool as I am convinced that Grandmaster Suh＊s
philosophy and teachings will serve to help you
discover SELF. I trust all of you feel the same
way, so join me in tribute to Kuk Sa Nim for his
efforts in seeking world peace by means of training
in martial arts, by giving him a big round of
applause.
Thank you everyone.
Korean Buddhism
Baekdamsa Temple
Cho, Oh Hyun
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