Mindfulness Vs. Mushin

The common definitions of Mindfulness and Mushin are so similar that their meanings tend to overlap and in most texts and offerings you can't really distinguish a difference. Both are extremely important in self-transformation; however, there are distinctions and understanding the differences and similarities between Mindfulness and Mushin can be very helpful.

Here's a very simple distinction:

Mindfulness leads you into the State of Mushin.

Here's another distinction:

You can be in your ego and still cultivate Mindfulness, but you cannot be in your ego and experience Mushin.

Let's explore Mindfulness a little deeper ...

It is impossible to experience Mushin without first cultivating Mindfulness. When we are consumed or distracted by thoughts, concerns, negative emotions, etc. we remain on the roller coaster ride of the reactive mind. With such a wandering and distracted mind it is impossible to tune inwards. One must first clear a pathway for the inner journey.

Therefore when beginning a meditative practice we must first discipline the mind. Mindfulness is such a practice, it teaches you how to be totally present to the moment; focused, awake and aware. Mindfulness teaches you to pay attention to what is going on inside of you and all around you. It is like looking into a mirror; it reveals what is there so that you can begin to change.

To be Mindful you first have to slow down, take deep focused breaths and relax into the moment. Gradually you will begin to increase your awareness of what is taking place in the moment and there will be a heightened perception of your inner and outer environment.

Eventually your thoughts and your habitual reactions to things will cease and there will be a detachment to what you are 'doing' and the corresponding results of your actions. This is actually the beginning of the Mushin State. Remember, Mindfulness is the precursor to Mushin.

Let's now explore Mushin ...

Mushin, a Zen term, often associated with the ancient Samurai Art of Swordsmanship, literally translated means 'No-mind' or 'No-ego. Cultivating Mushin, leads you to a State of Awareness, which is void of all distracting thoughts, ideas, judgments, and emotions (fear, doubt, anxiety, anger, etc.), which in turn produces a state of inner clarity and heightened consciousness.

This State of Mushin, although similar to Mindfulness, may better be defined as 'Mindlessness'. One is no longer bound by fear or self consciousness, no longer distracted, inhibited or congested; one is finally free from the egoic mind and any fear-based reactivity; ones awareness enters into a State beyond the mind.

Similarly when someone has mastered Mindfulness and become completely detached from all cares and worries, all judgments and opinions; they have actually learned 'Integrated Mushin'. Their practice of Mindfulness has become so refined that the egoic mind has dropped and the true-self has been tapped; they have entered into the No-mind/No-ego State.
 
Unfortunately Mushin is sometimes referred to as a Peak Performance State … and while they may be similar, Mushin is SO much more than that!! Mushin is a State of Consciousness that one enters into … it is not just about having a peak performance … it is about dissolving the ego and tapping into your true-self, your divine self.

Perhaps it would be clearer to explain Mushin as a State of Awareness that has layers or depths to it. For example you can be in the Mushin State while your body is engaged in some type of action, perhaps a sparring match. You are physically engaged and active, yet there is no-mind, no-effort and no attachment to results or outcome.

Vernon Kitabu Turner describes it beautifully, "The Japanese call it "mushin" -- the art of no-mind. That's when there is no conscious attempt to act, and yet you move anyway, when the action comes from such a deep place that there is no one to take credit for it. The experience of this coexistence -- of this protection that is there within you -- is very powerful, and it reaffirms many of the ancient works and scriptures that say, "He who is within you is greater than he who is in the world."

During Mushin sitting practice there are no physical movements; therefore the Mushin State can open up deeper. When in this deeper State one's senses and bodily awareness drop away, any remains of self-consciousness or self-awareness disappear and there is an experience of emptiness or no-mind that takes over. With continued and dedicated practice the State of Mushin opens up even more, eventually revealing an experience of Inner Peace and Unconditional Love.

Click here to go directly to The Art of Mushin - Meditation DVD & Audio Course