Zanshin - the Remaining Mind

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This is the 4th and last installment of the Zen series "4 powerful Mindsets of traditional karate. The last mindset is called Zanshin and means "remaining mind".

For the three first articles about the four core mindsets of Martial Arts and Zen practice follow the links listed below:

  1. Shoshin
  2. Mushin
  3. Fudoshin

There might be a 5th article related to this series that will discuss Zen in general.

Zanshin - The Remaining Mind


Let´s look at the description of a Zanshin mindset from both Zen-Buddhism.net and Jesse Enkamp (The Karate Nerd);

From Zen-Buddhism.net:

"Simply put, Zanshin is the state when the mind is fully vigilant and aware of its surroundings; when the mind remains still without being attached to anything and is totally present during every moment and action in the here and now.

The concept of Zanshin is that one should be fully present in whatever action is at hand."_ Zen-buddhism.net."

From Jesse Enkamp, the Karate Nerd;

"This is actually a judging criteria when you compete in kumite( competition fighting)"

After scoring a punch or kick, you must keep your attention on the opponent – even though you already scored. If you jump around like a puppy to celebrate the point, it will not count.

Why? Because “it ain’t over till it’s over”. _ Jesse Enkamp

From the two descriptions we can define Zanshin as keeping your focus lingering to make sure there are no more threats remaining.

I think it needs no further elaboration in terms of martial arts and self-defence.

Stay focused and alert until the fight or threat is over.

Zanshin in Online Business and Everyday Life


In terms of what we are creating with what we learn on the WA platform, and in Online business, it means to keep sharp focus on what we do.

We are not finished writing our blog until we are finished, focus on that ONE specific task and nothing else.

You don´t leave your car jacked up with one wheel lying on the ground do you, when changing tyres and run off doing soemthing else that pops up in your mind?


If you need to turn of the radio, tv or going to another room in the house to avoid getting disturbed, just do it. Then your mind will not be attached to external influence other than your creative writing.

Some might say that I can do other things at the same time than just writing or listening to a class by Kyle or Jay. And yes you might do that, but it will take you a longer time to finish your ongoing task, and the quality of your work will be less than if your focus were centered on your main task.

Multitasking is a myth and to try doing it should be avoided.

Some Final Thoughts


I find it it that we can learn the following from a remaining mind;

Stay focused on ONE thing at the time and the ONE thing you are doing ain´t over until it is over.

I hope you have enjoyed this small series about Zen in Martial arts and how it can be applied to what we are trying to achieve through WA and in our personal life.

Roy - the Philosopher

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Recent Comments

12

A great series of posts Mr Philosopher!

I find it best to always focus on one thing and do it well before moving onto the next..

Thanks for the share buddy!

My pleasure :-)

I have enjoyed the series on the Karate mindset, something I have not done. And am not currently planning to do it. However, from watching my grandkids in their training classes, thought would be beneficial.

I think that the mindset is an ever-interesting topic and that we are learning and growing every day. So, who knows maybe sometime in the future, classes will appeal.
Sami

Would love to see you in a karate gi together with your grandkids!

It is never too late to start. The only thing to be mindful of is that as we age. I am 57, and I need to adjust the intensity and way I train to keep going :-)

Roy

I've multi-tasked my whole life, Roy, so if it is a myth, it seems so real! I like the Zanshin! Have an excellent day!

Jeff

I know what you mean about multi-tasking, Jeff. It is always a topic up for discussion 😊

Not going too deep into science in relation, it is scientifically proven that multi-tasking is not something we humans are capable of doing.

What we do is a series of several tasks in rapid succession with conscious intent. But there are several things going on in our body by automation, unconsciously, at the same time as we do our stuff in the conscious part of our mind 🤓

Zanshin is a great mindset to be present in all our doings.

Roy

Haha, Roy! I must be the anomaly then, or I have fooled myself into thinking that I can do it! Either way.........! 😂

I'll definitely agree with your second assessment.

Jeff

:-D

😎👍

Excellent image header, lol As of now, I am learning Hiragana.

I love it keeping focused and attention on the task even with a win; I learned this same principle having watched the twilight saga numerous times when the Cullens fight the newborns, exceptional blog post and share. I appreciate it so much, Roy. (That's if you have watched the series)

Thanks, Abie 🥋😊

I have watched the series numerous times myself 😎 It is good.

I love that you have taken up learning Hiragana💯. It is on my bucket list.

Roy

Thanks, that's awesome and glad to hear it, Roy.

I follow a series that starts with Hiragana, then Katakana, and onward to verbs, adjectives, and forms. I have a sensei, a coach helping me out.

I also have both Hiragana and Katakana keyboards, and some character writing slightly differs from typing; I am beginning to recognize some words. However, what I hope to achieve in the long run with continuous practice is to speak, read and write before landing in Japan.

That process will move quickly once I arrive there. I also want to learn as much as possible to document my findings from my own perspective.

I appreciate it all.

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