Mokuso (黙想 / もくそう) is part of the training of the mind called ‘MUSHIN’ (無心 / むしん) which comes from ZEN BUDDHISM. One must attempt to return to the mental state of a new-born child — that is — without a sense of fear, not conscious of distress, pain, cold, etc. A baby cannot anticipate these things and therefore has no fear and does not hesitate before moving. An adult knows fear and is afraid. When attacked he feels tense and is often useless against the assailant because movement is restricted.

If one sees a beautiful flower, normally the mind concentrates on it — but with an empty mind (MOKUSO) the mind is aware of everything else as well as the flower.

So when one fights an enemy — attacking and defending — if only concentrating on blocking techniques — the mind is restricted to that movement, but if the mind is empty (and blocking practised enough) the body is able to do the next movement automatically and movements will always be natural.

If the body is tense it is wasting energy and restricting speed — it is essential to move without being conscious of it — that feeling is called MUSHIN (無心).

MOKUSO IS PART OF THE TRAINING FOR MUSHIN

How to Practice Mokuso

Sit in seiza (正座 / せいざ) position.

Back straight, chin pulled in, eyes half closed.

Look at a spot on the floor 2 metres in front of you.

In the beginning it is difficult to empty the mind so the first step is to practice SUSOSU-KAN (数息観 / すうそくかん) — that is control of the mind.

To do this count from 1 to 10 slowly, repeatedly.

Breath in as you count 1 and out as you count 2 etc. Do not concentrate on anything but counting.

If you can do this for 30 minutes then you can control your mind.

The next step is to empty your mind. If you have to think about emptying your mind — it is not empty — there should be no effort involved.

When you can do that you will find a great difference in your free fighting.