Philosophy of Tae Geuks.
Philosophy of the Taegeuks and Poomsae
Tae Geuk literally translates in the meaning the “great eternity”. Tae means “bigness” and Geuk means “eternity”. In Korean Taegeuk philosophy there are no elements outside of the “great eternity”, representing the principles behind the Taegeuk patterns as all inclusive and pervasive.
The first eight patterns in this series all get their meanings from the basic “tenets” of one of the oldest oriental philosophical works, the book of changes: known as the “I Ching” by the Chinese and “Jooyeok” in Korea.
The book of changes was based on the understanding of the interlinking of opposite powers; classically represented by the “ying and Yang” (Um/Yang in Korea). This is a major religious work as well as an oracle used to reveal the future.
“Yin” is the ultimate creative power and “Yang” is the ultimate receptive power. The combined powers of the Yin and Yang are shown the eight manifestations of this concept illustrated using a Tri Gram type symbol. Each has a character represented as a three line symbol divided at differing stages (as on the corners of the Korean flag).
The eight are,
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KEON, pure Yin representing the universe.
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TAE, lasting Joy.
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RI, fire and light.
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JUN, Thunder.
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SEON, representing wind.
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GAM, water.
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GAN, mountains.
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GON, the receptive earth which is Yang.
As you can see from this Tri-Gram illustration of the position of the forces and elements that they are set at exact opposites in relation to the yin & yang centre symbol showing balance in the universe. This symbol is also similar to the Korean Flag which has four Tri-Gram Symbols around a red and blue centre yin and yang sign.
The following sign is the SAM-Taeguek signifying the relation of Heaven, Earth and Humanity intertwinned as a ever swirling relationship they have for each other.
All these symbols are arranged in the circle across from their opposite. I.e. Heaven and Earth, joy and calm, fire and water, thunder and wind.
The last in the eight Taegeuk series start with Koryo, the 1st Dan pattern up to Ilyo at 9th Dan. Each of these represent a part of Korean history of nature and will be explained later.
A student must understand the beauty of learning patterns and should labour for years constantly refining and cleaning technique at the same time as meditating on each meaning. Therefore the practitioner can embrace the Taegeuk principles with the idea of applying them to better themselves in the martial arts physically, mentally and spiritually.
