Chapter Two : Doctrine 28

The Founding Master asked Kim Yŏngsin,
“What is the most indispensable thing for a person living in the secular world?”
Yŏngsin answered,
“I think things related to clothing, food, and shelter are most indispensable.”
The Founding Master again asked,
“Which is the most indispensable of the subjects you have learned at school?”
Yŏngsin replied,
“The subject of moral cultivation was the most indispensable.”
The Founding Master answered, “You are right. For the life of the flesh, clothing, food, and shelter are important things, but for practice, moral cultivation is important. This is why clothing, food, and shelter, as well as moral cultivation become the foundation for both life and practice. However, the subject of moral cultivation that is now taught at school is insufficient as a method of moral cultivation. Unless it is a religion that advocates practice in cultivating the mind, one will not be able to find moral cultivation’s full worth. Thus, you should constantly bear in mind that practicing the study of the Way is central to all studies and the foundation of all practice.”

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