Temple living at Shim Gwang Sa offers the opportunity to study Shim Gum Do, the Mind Sword Path as a way of life. Temple residents learn and study Shim Gum Do, along with other traditional temple practices of bowing, chanting, sitting meditation, action meditation and work meditation. Through the discipline and together action of temple practice one develops a clear mind, clear thinking and clear action which are the core of the Mind Sword Path.
The process of following the Shim Gum Do path allows one to develop tools to live a better life. Through the learning, practice and study of the forms of Shim Gum Do, one learns how to focus, with the mind and with the body. Through training the physical body changes and internal energy is developed. Shim Gum Do training helps one to develop the strengh and techniques to fight the internal enemies of ignorance, desire, opinion and ego. The Shim Gum Do path of martial arts is learning to fight the demons and bad habits within oneself. Through training one builds a strong foundation, clear direction and develops compassion. Temple residency allows one to more fully immerse themselves in the study of Shim Gum Do as a daily practice. The daily practice sessions are scheduled to allow residents to work and have free time in addition to their training.
The residential schedule is as follows: