Furuya Sensei posted this to his Daily Message on March 23, 2004.
There are typically two different attitudes one must keep in mind when beginning practice. I think at first, they seem like two different mental states but as you continue to practice and advance you will eventually come to understand that they are actually one and the same.
The first attitude to keep in mind is called kesshin (決心) or “the determined mind.” This means to be determined and have a strong conviction in one’s pursuit and desire to learn the art. This attitude involves patience, courage, conviction and resolve within oneself.
The second mind set is called shoshin (初心) or “beginner's mind." This means to keep one’s mind open, fresh, eager and without any prejudice, bias, judgement or pre-judged expectations.
However, there is actually a third attitude which one must always maintain throughout their training called ryoshin (良心) which means “good mind." Of course, our practice is directed to developing ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually in the art of Aikido, but this is one more consideration which must never be forgotten. "Good mind” means that we must always think and work for the sake of others. First of all, this means to be kind and considerate to our teachers and classmates on and off the mats. Eventually, we must extend this "good mind” to our family and friends and co-workers then to strangers and all those around us. Ultimately, we must express this to the whole world and all living sentient creatures and beings.
As we begin to understand that kesshin and shoshin are one and the same mind, we will begin to understand that all of this comes under ryoshin. Always, everything we do and think must embody the spirit of goodness not just for one's self but for others as well.