山中の賊を破るは易く心中の賊を破るは難し
Sanchunozoku wo yaburu hayasukushinchunozoku wo yaburuhakatashi
Defeating the bandits in the mountains is easy; defeating the bandit in one's mind is harder.
One of the greatest things studying a martial art teaches us is mononomikata (物の見方) or “mindset.” Mindset means perspective or how we look at things. Author, Jo Owen said, "Mindset separates the best from the rest: the right mindset drives the right habits, which drive the right performance.” Thus, we can just as easily psych ourselves into or out of something. I see people get the most psyched out when we do bukiwaza (武器技) or “weapons techniques.” The moment we bring out the weapons, I can either see fear or excitement in their eyes. In swordsmanship, it is said that when we engage our opponent, we one should avoid shikai (四戒) or “The four diseases.” The four diseases are: kyo (驚), ku (懼), gi (疑), and waku (惑) or “surprise, fear, doubt, and confusion.” Allowing ourselves to succumb to one of these diseases could enable our opponent to capitalize on our overtaken minds and defeat us. The mindset that we should be striving for is heisei (平静) or a “calm” mind that is equanimous. To have an equanimous mind means having composure and not being disturbed or overtaken by our emotions. To reach this state of mind, we need to confront our fears which have created this agitated mindset. Buddhist monk, Ryokan said, "When you have a problem, face it; when you are sick, face it; when death stalks you, face it.” As we face our fears or problems head on, we inoculate ourselves from the stress that those fears elicit in us. This inoculation enables us to eventually overcome our fears and achieve our goals. Therefore, more than physical technique, the martial arts teach us mindset or how to be calm in the face that which confronts us. The goal of training is not only to discipline our bodies, but also to discipline our minds as well.
Today’s goal: What can you face which is confronting you?
Watch this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast to better understand mindset.
