“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on MAR 12, 2023

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." - Rumi

 

‘Mokuso’ (黙想) is a Japanese term that is commonly used in the martial arts. The term refers to a period of silent meditation that is practiced at the beginning and end of a training session.

Commonly translated as “meditation”, the literal translation means “silence/still” (moku 黙) and “think/focus” (so 想).

Mokuso is often seen as an important aspect of martial arts practice, and it is believed to have several benefits, including helping to calm the mind and increase focus, promoting relaxation and stress reduction, and enhancing overall mindfulness and awareness.

Mokuso is an exercise just like any other which has to practiced regularly to gain the benefits from it. It is usually performed in the ‘seiza’ (正座 - proper sitting), kneeling position. The eyes are usually closed, and the practitioner focuses on their breath, attempting to slow it down and deepen it. The aim of this practice is to achieve a state of mental calm and clarity, in which distractions and outside stimuli are minimized.

One of the primary benefits of mokuso is its ability to help calm the mind and increase focus. In martial arts, the ability to focus is essential, as it enables practitioners to remain aware of their surroundings and react quickly to any threats. Mokuso helps to train the mind to be more disciplined and focused, which can have a positive impact on a practitioner's performance during training and competitions.

“The wrong time to learn to meditate is when you’re stressed. It’s a bit like trying to learn martial arts in the middle of a fight. Practice daily, find that totally still place inside that is like a ‘reset’ button and puts everything into perspective. Like martial arts, all its takes is consistent, daily practice.” – Steve Rowe 9th dan Shikon International

Another benefit of mokuso is that it can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. In today's fast-paced world, many people are constantly exposed to stress and anxiety, which can have negative effects on their physical and mental health.

Mokuso provides an opportunity for practitioners to take a break from the outside world and focus on their inner selves, which can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

In addition to its benefits for mental health, mokuso is also believed to have physical benefits. During the practice of mokuso, practitioners are encouraged to focus on their breath and to slow it down. This can help to increase oxygenation throughout the body, which can have a positive impact on physical health. Slowing the breath can also help to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, which can help to promote overall cardiovascular health.

While mokuso is most commonly associated with martial arts, it is not limited to this discipline alone. The practice of mokuso can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of their physical activity level or martial arts experience. In fact, many people find that incorporating regular periods of silent meditation into their daily routine can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.

Mokuso has its roots in Zen Buddhism, which is a spiritual tradition that originated in China and was later introduced to Japan. Zen Buddhism emphasizes the practice of meditation and the attainment of inner peace and enlightenment. Mokuso is believed to have evolved from the Zen practice of ‘zazen’ (座禅), which involves sitting in silence and focusing on the breath.

The practice of mokuso is often seen as a way to connect with one's inner self and to develop a greater sense of mindfulness and awareness.

The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts…. it’s to stop letting those thoughts control you. This is the philosophy behind the often neglected practice of Mokuso, and its effective practice, like physical fitness, returns the effort you put in.

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” - Rumi