The Immovable Mind

[image credit: KELLPIC on pixabay.com]

In my entire life, there was once a night, and a day - in which waking from a dream...was into the horror of the day...which was worse than any nightmare...for I could not escape the day.

 

Getting through that day was a true test of my philosophical foundations. 

 

For it was in the foundations established through my study of Zen Buddhism - that allowed me to take refuge in the Four Noble Truths:

 

1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha): Life is suffering

 

2. The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudāya): Craving, anger, and ignorance cause suffering

 

3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha): Suffering can end by controlling feelings and avoiding greed, hate, and delusion

 

4. The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Marga): The path to ending suffering is the Middle Way of the Eightfold Path.

 

As Siddhartha spoke, in Herman Hesse's novel ("Siddhartha", 1922):

“I can think, I can wait, I can fast”

 

These were my immediate thoughts upon waking this morning.

• There is no accomplishment that I desire.
• There is no possession I need.
• There is no cage that can contain my imagination, or mind.
• There is no force that can threaten my truth.
• There is no threat that can bend my will.
• There is no money or title that can persuade me to do evil.

 

"Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired"

 

 "The immovable mind", often referred to as "Fudōshin" in Japanese (不動心) , is a concept in martial arts and philosophy that describes a state of mental clarity, calmness, and resilience, where one's mind is not easily swayed by external factors, allowing for focused action even under pressure; essentially, a state of complete mental stability and composure.

 

Fudōshin is a state of equanimity or imperturbability (literally and metaphorically, "immovable mind", "immovable heart" or "unmoving heart"). It is a philosophical or mental dimension to Japanese martial arts which contributes to the effectiveness of the advanced practitioner.

 

As sensei, teaching a local karate club I established,circa 1983-1984, Bamberg, West Germany