Where to Locate the Mind
While living, Be a dead man, Be thoroughly dead– And behave as you like.
The question is often asked: Where is the mind [or attention] to be directed? When it is directed to the movements of the opponent, it is taken up by them. When it is directed to his sword, it is taken up by the sword. When it is directed to striking down the opponent, it is taken up by the idea of striking. At all events, they say they do not know just where the mind is to be directed.
Some would say: Wherever the mind is directed, the whole person is liable to follow the direction and the enemy is sure to take full advantage of it, which means your defeat. It is after all better to keep the mind in the lower part of the abdomen just below the navel, and this will enable one to adjust oneself in accordance with the shifting of the situation from moment to moment.
While living
Be a dead man,
Be thoroughly dead–
And behave as you like,
And all’s well.
- Bukan
We have to distinguish between two ways of training: one is spiritual, the other practical. As far as spirituality is concerned, it is a very simple matter when it is realized to its full extent; it all depends on how one gives up one’s own Ignorance and Affects and attains to no-mind-ness.
