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A Letter from the Boss (Editorial) - Bushido Lessons: Zanshin - Mind's Eye like the Moon
Insight
Another concept important to Bushido is that of Zanshin. Zanshin is a Japanese term describing the ability to perceive one's environment with the clarity of a detached observer. This also has to do with the idea of detached observation, the ability to perceive without judgement, without criticism, without analysis, without emotional response or automatic response, the goal is simply to perceive.
Zanshin is sometimes referred to as the quality of having a "mind's eye like the moon." The literal interpretation includes a constant awareness of one's immediate surroundings and an anticipation of the next likely event. There is, however, a deeper meaning that has to do with the way one processes such sensory information. The moon, in this phrase, sits aloft, from a high perspective, seeing all, yet not making distinctions, observing all, yet not being a part of the event. This conjures an air of objectivity, clarity, repose. In a conflict, it is important to see things clearly, without preconceptions on the intent or motivations of one's opponent. The moment you assume to know the mind of another, information that you might otherwise observe becomes closed to you.
Like most concepts in Bushido, Zanshin is inspired by Zen. The practice of Zen or Ch'an Buddhism is largely concerned with human perception, cognition, and the interpretation of the senses. Much of the meditative practice in Zen has to do with identifying and subduing the natural tendency of the brain to make distinctions, evaluate, and make judgements and attachments based on previously established response patterns and expectations. The ideal in Zen (and in Buddhism in general) is to simply see things clearly. True, immediate perception is a very difficult thing to cultivate. Many practitioners of Zen and Martial Arts alike, spend years developing the inhibitions and discipline necessary to accomplish this.
A Martial Artist should be able to detach from their perspective in order to solve problems and resolve conflict. Zanshin is a practice of understanding and insight. A great deal of wisdom comes from the act of putting oneself in another's shoes. One of the most profound aspects of Aikido is the tendency for the practitioner to, in any given technique, come to face the same direction as their assailant. This is a metaphor for their model of conflict resolution, confluence. By seeing things from my opponent's point of view, I may better be able to understand the conflict and discern how to end it.
Intuition
There is a famous Japanese saying, "When the battle is over, tighten your chin strap." This means that the immediate threat is not necessarily the only danger, and one should be constantly aware of this. This becomes an "It ain't done yet" mentality.
Another aspect of Zanshin is that this level of awareness is perpetual. When one learns to cultivate this level of perception, they should not be caught off guard. Many advanced Martial Artists have an almost uncanny ability to predict the movements of their opponents. Zanshin refers to one's intuition, trusting one's gut instinct. This comes partially from experience, the ability to cue in on subtle information such as posture, weight distribution, distance, etc. This also comes when one has a quiet mind.
Conclusion
"Perspective is worth at least 50 IQ points."
The ability to perceive things from alternate perspectives is a crucial responsibility of someone with the ability to end a life or harm others. Further, the ability to perceive without pre-judgement, without expectation is the first step in successful negotiation and conflict resolution, which is the core of the Martial Arts, and is a habit which will keep one from being caught unawares. Without this ability, an ethical base, and a general sense of compassion, a Martial Artist becomes something much less - a mere ass-beater, susceptible to manipulation.
Study this.
- Anthony Sell
Feb. 5, 2004