THE HWARANG SOCIETY
The Hwarang, were a class of warriors in ancient Korea. The Hwarang often draw parallels to the Japanese Samurai or European Knights. The Hwarang studied art, philosophy, and religion. They also trained in martial arts, horsemanship, swordsmanship, archery, javelin and stone
throwing, and other related arts. They served their kingdom with honor andintegrity, known for
their code of conduct and highest standards.
​The Buddhist monks were often mentors for the Hwarang in
both physical and spiritual ways. Won
Gwang Beop Sa was a Buddhist monk who was asked by the Hwarang to teach
them ways to develop ambition, bravery, and honor, in order to protect the Silla
Kingdom from the other kingdoms inhabiting the peninsula. Won Gwang trained
these youths in three areas:
1. Self-defense capabilities
2. Self-confidence
3. Self-control
Won Gwang taught the youths of the Hwarang to become warriors
who could defend their beliefs with martial arts, to be confident in their
actions, and to control themselves and their surroundings. Won Gwang gave to these Hwarang teachings in gwon beop (Martial methods or skills) that combined the secret Buddhist monk's physical and mental exercises. Won Gwang also composed the "Five
Commandments for Secular Life"
1. Loyalty to one's lord
2. Love and respect your parents
3. Trust among friends
4. Never retreat in battle
5. Never take a life without a just reason
These
have since been attributed as a guiding ethos for the Hwarang. Hwarang members
also learned the Five Cardinal Confucian Virtues, the Six Arts, the Three
Scholarly Occupations, and the Six Ways of Government Service.
These commandments and teachings of Won Gwang were followed by
the Hwarang to protect the Silla Kingdom from rival kingdoms and helped unify
the nation of Ancient Korea until the fall of the Silla Kingdom.
The Hwarang became an elevated symbol of importance to the history
of Korea, because of their morality, integrity, and ethics. The Hwarang Society is a modern fraternal order which draws inspiration from the
Hwarang Knights of old. The brotherhood
is dedicated to goals:
1.
Preservation of Korean martial culture
2. Brotherhood among practitioners of the Korean
Martial Arts
3.
The betterment of self, community and country.
Membership in the society is open to persons of good character who are willing to support the
goals of the organization. There are
currently three levels of membership. Members can achieve intermediate and
advanced levels by reaching personal training goals and by supporting the
organization and its goals. Members are also eligible for special designations
and titles.
