Mushin

When mushin is attained the mind will flow freely from one object to another, as a
stream that fills every corner. For this reason the mind fulfills every function required of it.

Logic and intuition merge to form one mind, a no-mind, but when the flowing is stopped (such as thinking, "What technique will I use against this opponent?") the result will be a general stiffness and fatal indecision.
Just as a wheel revolves only when the shaft is not too tightly attached to the axle. If the mind has something in it, it will stop functioning; it cannot hear, it cannot see, even when sound enters the ear or when light flashes before the eyes. To have a thought means that the mind is preoccupied and cannot deal with an opponent.

The waters of the pond will reflect all around it, as the mind when empty will reflect on all movements. But when a ripple (thought) enters the water (mind) the image is unclear. But to attempt to remove the thought already fills it with another thought.


The task is endless. It is best, therefore, not to harbor anything from the start. I think thisis what the great zen (chan) master Nan-in meant when he said, "Empty your cup first, so you can taste my tea."