(no subject)

[kingsleya]

If you direct your mind toward the bodily movements of your opponent,
your mind will be taken by the bodily movements of your opponent.
If you direct your mind toward your opponent's sword,
your mind will be taken by your opponent's sword.
If you direct your mind toward trying to strike your opponent,
your mind will be taken by waiting to strike.
If you direct your mind toward your own sword,
your mind will be taken by your sword.
If you direct your mind toward not being struck,
your mind will be taken by the desire not to be struck.
If you direct your mind toward your opponent's attitude,
it will be taken by his attitude.

In short, there is nowhere to direct your mind,
said Takuan.

In Chinese arts, it's been called wu wei, 'The Uncarved Block.' Your mind is not "prefabricated," but open to being shaped by the situation.

In kendo it's No Mind.

I've experienced it on several occasions, and it has manifested out of the dojo.
It is spontaneous "right action"; well-timed, perfect, no thought of Doing.

I'd like to experience it as a chain of actions --
but the conditions which would bring that about would likely be horrific.