Mokuso
There are two kinds of meditate procedures. 1. Closed eyes
position, means focus on the particular point. (It is also acceptable to have
your eyes only half closed.) 2. Next one is open eyes position, see the
particular object and meditate. This kind of way is little bit good to improve
the zanshin. (It refers to a state of awareness – of relaxed alertness. The
literal translation of zanshin is "remaining mind").
“Closed eyes
Mokuso”
Take the seiza position first. See the above picture
This kind of meditation is when you put a focal point
(point) in your mind to prevent you becoming distracted by such things as how
much your feet hurt, voices outside or cars going by.
As you breathe deeply, try to visualize an object such as a
fruit, divine light, heartbeat, breath or a palm. It must be something simple,
if you chose a palm, then it should simply be palm. Not focus the lines on it.
Just a plain palm.
Now when you hear the phone ring and you find yourself
listening to other noises, visualize your "palm or heartbeat" and
focus on that only. Continue your breathing and "see" the palm or
focus heartbeat in your mind. When you become distracted you will notice that
the image you created in your mind will vanish. This is when it's time to
refocus on and try to hold the image steady for the duration of your mokuso.
When you get distracted just cut that thing or noise and comeback to the
mokuso. If you feel the same then cut and come back. Like this way you've to
practice.
After you finish
your mokuso, open your eyes and breathe normally. You should find that your
worries have temporarily subsided and feel good. You'll feel calmer, more
relaxed and focused, and more importantly ready to work hard and do good
karate. Then it's time to jump up on your feet and begin your warm-up.
This simple method helps you focus on one thing and at the
same time, dissolve any emotional baggage that you might have brought to the
class with you.
How long should
mokuso be?
Opinions vary, but
mokuso at the start of class is usually short. Less than one minute although
some dojo’s may make it longer. A reason for its brevity is so that you can
clear your mind before class without getting sleepy! If mokuso is any longer in
duration, would be good for kids. This is my opinion. And I’ve been teaching
this way.
Unfortunately, a short mokuso makes it difficult for the
beginner to find focus in that time period. Don't expect to be able to do it
immediately. Some people find it very difficult to visualize. It might take you
a few weeks before you can relax enough to visualize your object or thing (like
a fruit, palm or heartbeat)
Mokuso is like anything else. It takes practice, but once
you get it you will find it an effective tool to help you with your karate.
Practice at home if you like. Just find a place where you won't be disturbed
and take the phone off the hook. You'll soon get the hang of it.
So next time you're in class and hear the word
"mokuso", try this method for yourself. Don't just be satisfied with
"thinking happy thoughts" for that won't help you clear your mind and
focus on your training. Decide what your "object " is going to be,
find it in your mind and stay focused on it.
Benefits:
. Concentration
. Confidence level improvement
. Will power
. Anger management etc
Many! Many plus
points. I can't explain by keyboard,
pen, and paper like this kind of stuff. Just do it and tell me how you feel.
You might surprise yourself.
Until then...
Peace and harmony,
Sensei M.Maharaj
