Mushin is the essence of
Zen and a key component of Japanese martial arts. The term is shortened from Mushin
no shin (無心の心), a Zen expression meaning “mind without
mind,” also referred to as a state of “no-mindedness.” That is, a
mind not fixed or occupied by any thought or emotion. Zen master Takuan Soho spoke of it as a mind that does
not "stop" or fixate anywhere, and is without distraction.
"The mind must always be
in the state of 'flowing,' for when it stops anywhere that means the flow is
interrupted and it is this interruption that is injurious to the well-being of
the mind. In the case of the swordsman, it means death. When the swordsman stands
against his opponent, he is not to think of the opponent, nor of himself, nor
of his enemy's sword movements. He just stands there with his sword which,
forgetful of all technique, is ready only to follow the dictates of the
subconscious. The man has effaced himself as the wielder of the sword. When he
strikes, it is not the man but the sword in the hand of the man's subconscious
that strikes."
In the Heiho Kadensho (兵法家伝書), Yagyū Munenori's treatise on swordsmanship
and strategy written in 1632, it is stated that any obsession with winning is
an “illness of the mind” and makes the warrior unable to think
rationally. Yagyu Munenori advocated that a warrior have “nothing in his heart and be as
translucent as a mirror.” This is Mushin, or the state of “no-mindedness,”
and maintaining Mushin was the main theme of his Shinkageryu psychological
teachings.
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