In an earlier blog, I spoke of focus and concentrations as critical to becoming a better martial artist and improving your life in general. As you advance, the state you actually want to be in is a state of mushin.
As stated in Joe Hyams’ “Zen in the Martial Arts”, mushin is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “According to the Zen masters, mushin is operating when the actor is separate from the act and no thoughts interfere with the action because the unconscious act is the most free and uninhibited. When mushin functions the mind moves from one activity to another, flowing like a stream of water and filling every space.” [1]
In “Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts” [2], Joseph Cardillo describes mushin as “a calming technique”. He states that “The point is to free our mind of all assumptions and negative emotions such as anger, guilt, doubt, fear, and hatred. Whether on the mat or in everyday situations, a clear and still mind will react with more fluidity and efficiently”.
By being in a state of mushin with no negative thoughts or assumptions of what may or may not happen entering the mind, you are able to quickly react and perform smoothly; your body naturally reacts.
In order to get to this state, first you need to practice your techniques perfectly so when you do react the techniques are effective. You need to practice with complete focus and concentration so you learn not to let extraneous thoughts enter the mind. Once you start to master the techniques and concentrate fully, you may be able to enter a state of mushin where words, environment, negative emotions will not interfere with your ability to react and move effortlessly and effectively.
As in focus and concentration, a state of mushin can help you in your general life as well. For example, you would be able to achieve your goals and objectives more easily because you would not let any self-doubt enter your mind. For example, when in a business meeting with your customer you would not let their frustrations or emotions affect your ability to communicate your message.
You can learn to be in a state of mushin through the practice of martial arts, which will help you in general to improve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Regards,
Kelly
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
2. Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts by Joseph Cardillo
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