Continuing with the series on ethics, I'd like to look at the tenet to use good judgement before causing harm to any living thing. Like some of the others, the idea seems pretty obvious. However, there are implications to the idea that are worth exploring. By examining the original expression of this idea, the expression of the tenet used at Han Mi, and some of the implications that go beyond physical conflict, I hope to give a clearer explanation on how I think about the idea to use good judgement before harming any living thing.
In the original five tenets of the Hwarang, this concept was expressed as "exercise discretion before taking a life." Just as it reads, this tenet compels the martial artist to only kill in a situation that would require it. The Hwarang were often actively involved in the military and had to be concerned with matters of life and death. The idea here is that your enemy is not evil - even if they are doing an activity that could be thought of as such. This person may be attacking because their community needs resources to survive, they feel threatened by your presence, or any other number of things that compel people to be violent. This expression of the tenet recognizes that everyone should have the ability to live and that should only be challenged with great care and only as a last resort.
When writing these tenets out for Han Mi Martial Arts, I thought about this idea for some time. In studying Hapkido, it was always considered a sign of bad mental health if a student was constantly interested in techniques that caused the most damage. While it is important to know effective technique, effectiveness of technique doesn't always mean doing damage. Often, it means restraining the opponent and removing the desire to continue to be violent. Overly destructive behavior shows that the student is emotionally insecure; that their interests exceed mere self-defense and has gone into cruelty. Sadistic behavior like this is unhealthy and, to my view, unethical. Allowing someone to learn martial arts without addressing this dark side is, in my view, the equivalent of handing a loaded gun to a child - it would be unethical for me as a teacher to allow it persist. Still, this isn't directly expressed in the 11 tenets.
Beyond the physical implications of martial arts study, I also felt it was important to express the psychological and emotional aspects; specifically, the importance of not be mentally abusive to other people. While there are times where intimidation or other psychological pressures may be appropriate, they should be employed with the same care as any kick, punch, or other offensive technique. While not as outwardly obvious, emotional and psychological abuse are just as destructive as the physical kind. It is important to me that our students understand this and not become bullies in any way. Empowering our students ideally means to give them the confidence and awareness to be good stewards of the community. Good stewardship means being interested in everyone's well-being and not adding to anyone's misery unnecessarily.
From these different view points, the expression of this tenet I decided to go with was to use good judgement before harming any living thing. This change from killing to harming brings about another level of sensitivity for each of us. Rather than only being concerned about ending life, we are interested in the well-being of others physically and psychologically. This tenet also can be applied inwardly; that it is important not to take on harm without good reason oneself. That interpretation compels the martial artist to not allow others to hurt them without good reason (i.e. saving a friend by risking yourself). This is a practical way to express the view that life is precious and important. Life and comfort should only be taken away for very clear reasons and only as a last resort. This tenet flows upwards to the first one (be devoted to the greater community) and to some of the remaining tenets as well when stated this way.
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