「日本語はこちら」
Recently, when members from a dojo in Australia came to train at my dojo, we talked about the concept of "Heijoshin," which is often translated as "keeping a calm, unwavering mind." I explained it simply as learning to maintain a steady, unshakable mental state, no matter the circumstances, which is something we cultivate through martial arts practice.
I showed them a calligraphy piece that reads "Heijoshin Kore Do" (平常心是道), which in Zen terms is read as "Byodoshin Kore Do" and translates roughly to "a calm mind is the path." I had read an explanation by a temple priest who interpreted "Heijoshin" in Zen as meaning "an everyday mind is enlightenment." In other words, it’s about being at peace with the present moment, just as it is.
This sense of "being as you are" means that when you feel joy, you embrace it fully. When you feel pain, you accept that too. The idea of "Heijoshin" is to openly and honestly accept any state of mind as it is.
However, the moment we add judgment or analysis ("this is good, that is bad"), we create "illusions" or delusions. These illusions are the roots of desire, which can continuously grow and never truly be satisfied. Humanity has indeed achieved great development and comfort thanks to desire, but at the same time, we can see how unrestrained desire has led to issues like environmental destruction, social inequality, wars, and terrorism.
So, how do we break free from this path of endless desire? The answer lies in knowing "the truth." By understanding the "truth," we come to understand the true nature of the heart.
My teacher, Kinefuchi Sensei learned from his teacher Minoru Mochizuki Sensei that the "wisdom" learned in martial arts is the "ability to see the essence of things." Kinefuchi Sensei emphasized this to me, encouraging me to learn from many great martial arts instructors and to pursue the truth deeply.
At our recent three-day Gokushin-ryu Aikido training camp, I was able to learn techniques from a variety of teachers. Each one had their own teaching style, and by accepting each style "as it is," I gained the experience of discerning "truth" for myself.
Moving forward, I aim to continue nurturing a steady, calm mind, accepting things as they are, and valuing the ability to perceive the true essence, or "truth," in all situations.
Comments