The 3 Levels To A Warriors Mindset: Part 3

Hi everyone,

Today we will cover the last part of the series on the three levels of a warrior's mindset, so I hope you have enjoyed it thus far. 

Now we have spoken about the previous states of mind and how they relate to each disposition, but I will do a quick review for those who have just tuned into this series. 

State of mind 1: Zan Shin is translated as ‘Remaining Spirit’ and refers to a vigilant, all-encompassing awareness. 

State of mind 2: Mu Shin means ‘Mind Without Mind,’ or the state of No Mind. Mu Shin is a state of spontaneity that allows immediate action without conscious thought. 

Now the state of mind three is known as Fu Do Shin.

Fu Do Shin is the ‘Immovable Mind.’ It is the mind that has met all challenges of life and has attained a state of complete composure. This state of mind cannot easily be disturbed by confusion, anger, doubt, or fear. It is the calm in the center of the storm.

Have you ever been in a situation that is just so chaotic that you reach a point of total and complete focus? Some would compare it to being in a state of flow on steroids, but this is the state closest to zen that most can attain.

Having a sense of balance when there is a rush of emotion and being able to jump into the back of yourself, observe it, feel it and let it go is a skill. The skill is described as doing without doing in the Tao Te Ching and can be represented by this section.

 "Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?"

- Tao Te Ching 15

It is a valid question, isn't it? Most think of flow as a moving game, but when you think about waiting, observing and being in the moment, it goes beyond being mindful, present and free. It is about waiting for the right moment to act with rational action.

How many times has life thrown you curve balls? Knuckleballs? Heck, there are days that life throws you the kitchen sink and the plumbing and most of us lose it.

It is the control of self in those moments that can give us the greatest reward.

If you have ever seen a Kendo match before you can see and observe what I am speaking about. If you don't know what Kendo is, then you can watch a video here which explains the Bushido code a bit more. In Kendo, there is a principal of not only combat but also honoring yourself, your teachers, your life and even your way of being. You wait for one single movement to decide how you will attack or defend.

In many ways that describe Fu Do Shin in life. Humans have grown to be reactionary based on technology advances which are now a cornerstone of society. The constant stimulation brought into our minds, bodies, and environment, has introduced us into many angles of stress which we don't know how they will affect us.

Today's challenge is simple. Wait a little longer before you speak, take action, or respond to a situation. Observe it and let it settle a little bit. While a quick response can save many at times, overreaction or hasty action can kill many and ruin your life beyond belief.

Take the time to let the mud settle and make the water clear.

~Luis