Mushin

Mushin is japanese word describing a mental state of “no mindness” [1]. The term is commonly used in japanese martial arts and is achieved when one’s mind is free from thoughts of anger, fear, and ego during combat.

It’s in this state that the martial artist or samurai is the most dangerous. They’re mind is not clouded by these thoughts and they are free to react to the flow of their opponent.

Mushin is a state of peak performance that can be applied to not only combat but everyday life whether it be exams, interviews, or on dates.

Notes

[1] You may of heard of this term before phrased in different ways such as the Western world’s Flow state, Mindfulness, or Bruce Lee’s famous “Be Like Water” speech.