Dr. Hyunmoon Kim explains the philosophy of SunDo at the KIMEP Leadership Development Program

15 April 2010


Dr. Hyunmoon Kim, a professor at Hanseo University in Korea and a master of the ancient art of Sun Do, spoke to students of the KIMEP Leadership Development Program about his personal development and philosophy on life. As Dr. Kim explained, his story is one of "a bad boy turned good."


Dr. Kim, a native of Korea, struggled through his early studies. Deciding to withdraw from high school early, Dr. Kim began a life full of "chaos." In his own words, the army was his first salvation, teaching him discipline and instilling order in his life.


Through his experience in the army, Dr. Kim was able to become acquainted with Sun Do, which he now considers his "fourth meal." Sun Do is an ancient East Asian healing system, which has been practiced by the Korean people for nearly nine thousand years. Sun Do helped Dr. Kim finally find peace and direction in his life, giving him a course that he has pursued ever since.


Dr. Kim brought Sun Do to North America in 1979. He successfully opened Sun Do Centers throughout North America and Europe, establishing a Retreat Center in Vermont.


In his continued dissemination of the Mountain Taoist way of life, Dr. Kim has been training Senior Teachers and Instructors to preserve the lineage of the art, as well as to "bring the practice to a new level in the West while maintaining the wisdom of the Tradition." He is also the author of The Tao of Life. As a Professor of Taoism at Hanseo University, South Korea, Dr. Kim directs a Master's Program in Taoism for English-speaking students.


Although Sun Do became the foundation of Dr. Kim's life, he continued to face challenges. It took him nearly 18 years to get his Ph.D., which required that he work days and study nights. While studying, Dr. Kim worked at a plant that produced wiring for nuclear power plants, a job that often put his life at risk. But, no matter the challenges, Dr. Kim "refused to give up."


During his lecture, Dr. Kim complemented his personal history with many of the teachings of Sun Do. He demonstrated the importance of willpower through meditation exercises, and spoke at length on the importance of understanding yourself and aligning your desires. "Each person is the leader of 60 billion cells," he explained. Finding harmony within is the first step to leading others.


Original article at kimep.kz:
http://www.kimep.kz/about/news/april2010/kim

"'Each person is the leader of 60 billion cells,' [Master Kim] explained. Finding harmony within is the first step to leading others."