From one strand
of the 9,800-year lineage of the Way

This is Jang KO.

Before this great turning point in human civilization, the Kouksundo Bakdol-beop Bonwon, in the embrace of sixty years since its revival, raises the banner of SOOM Civilization — the world of breath — and sets sail. At such a moment, I wish to offer a few words, with reverence and a solemn heart, to everyone who studies Kouksundo breathing.

To all fellow practitioners, companions on the Way, and teachers around the world, who for so many years have cultivated and kept the authentic practice of the Way, each in your own place —

What, truly, is the essence we long for and must demonstrate before humanity?

For a long time, day and night — in the mountains of The Soom Campus on Jirisan and on the bright ground of Tamna, Jeju — I have held this question deep within me and wrestled with it.

I believe the shared aspiration we hold is clear.

1. 01First, to set down the core essence of the 9,800-year Eastern practice of the Way in a complete and systematic modern language, opening an evidence-based path on which anyone can practice rightly and grow, without the slightest falsehood.
2. 02Second, for this great heritage not to remain a museum relic or a treasure preserved in history, but to evolve into a living governance for the future, moving within the lives of people in the age of artificial intelligence.
3. 03Third, to raise the dignity of this practice to the highest standard of humanity, so that it goes beyond individual cultivation and is elevated into an absolute public value that heals the crises of humanity and society.

I am certain that this is the original heart we all share deep within, across the ages.

Yet what has been the actual course we have walked? Over the long flow of time, many streams branched out beneath a single lineage of the Way, and much time has passed, each with its own devotion and direction.

I believe this too is undeniable history, and the fruit of noble efforts by those who did their best to protect the Way (道) in their own places. I sincerely understand and deeply respect the care and devotion of every teacher held within those years.

Now the world has reached a momentous point at which the operating system (OS) of civilization must change.

Drawing on the experience and wisdom of those long years, we have come to a time when we must attune the future of humanity together, with a wider and larger view.

I am by no means here to evaluate or judge the existing order. Still less do I intend to artificially gather or absorb you under the name or interests of any particular organization.

I simply wish to quietly declare a principle of great nature: though the great river of the 9,800-year grand design may now flow scattered into many branches according to the terrain, when the time is ripe, by the eternal law (永法) of the great universe, it will meet again in one vast sea and resonate as one.

A path on which the living strength of the practice is fully proven; a path that takes firm root in the real world and extends as a standard for future humanity; and a path on which this value is elevated into a public asset for saving and reviving all living beings (救活蒼生) — this is the path I wish to walk with you.

I know well that the small vessel I hold cannot contain this vast sea of civilization. Yet because someone must first take up even a small vessel and steadfastly reach out a hand, I offer this letter with nothing but a public heart (公心).

I bow my head in deep gratitude for the effort and devotion with which each of you has kept the Way, often alone, in your own place.

I quietly hope that one day, when the time comes, a solemn day will arrive when we can gather in one place, speak of humanity's future direction, share what each of us has realized through practice, and laugh and walk together. I believe that this synchronizing of hearts alone will be the great first breath that opens the next civilization.

I hope this sincere heart reaches each of my fellow practitioners, companions on the Way, and teachers around the world, warmly and clearly.