"The Basic Concept
A key concept in Zen is mushin <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushin> , or no mind. The idea is when the mind is not focused upon any one thing it is able to freely perceive everything. We try to expand this idea through our entire body with total awareness and focus on everything, which we can only achieve by focusing on nothing. Remember how I said oxymorons? This statement seems to practically be in direct conflict with itself. Let's tie this to some real world stuff. First, if you focus your vision on an object, really focus on it to discern every detail, you will find that your peripheral vision goes to practically nothing. However, if you allow yourself to look at the item with an open gaze, you can see the item and everything surrounding it. Think about how you look at mountains, the ocean, or anything scenic landscape. Second, examine a scene from the movie The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. Cruise's character, Captain Nathan Algren, is training to use the katana (samurai sword). During his one-on-one practice against a more skilled opponent, Algren is repeatedly beaten. His counterpart explains, "Mind sword. Mind face. Mind people watch. Too many mind. No mind." When Algren empties his mind is able to more clearly see his opponent's action and enjoys success. Third, examine a scene with Chevy Chase from the movie Caddyshack. "There is a force that makes things happen... and all you have to do is get in touch with it. Stop thinking... let things happen... and be the ball." http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/The_Zen_of_Straight_Shav\ ing <http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/The_Zen_of_Straight_Sha\ ving> --- In [email protected], Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote: > > James, > > You simply don't understand what is actually meant by no mind. It doesn't mean becoming unconscious. It means emptying consciousness of all the little usual distracting details of consciousness so that consciousness itself is experienced. It couldn't be more different than becoming a stone... > > Edgar
