The renowned swordsman Yagyū Munenori (1671 - 1646), who served as a martial arts instructor to the Tokugawa shogunate, once said, "A person who handles all matters with Heijoshin is called a master." Heijoshin means "keeping a calm and tranquil heart as usual."
These simple words are, however, challenging to practice. When I do calligraphy on expensive, irreparable materials, such as ceramics or wood, I often find it difficult to maintain Heijoshin due to the tension.
Being superior in some way, having exceptional sense, or possessing superior skills alone does not make one a professional. True professionals are those who can maintain composure and demonstrate their abilities under any circumstances.
Have you ever managed something perfectly during rehearsals, only to falter during the actual performance? It's only through daily practice and training, ingraining skills into our bodies, that we can truly develop the ability to approach tasks with Heijoshin.
Miyamoto Musashi also spoke of a similar mindset: “When the body is still, let not the mind be still; and when the body moves violently, keep the mind tranquil. Do not le
t your spirit be dragged by the body's movement, nor let the body be influenced by the mind. Always be mindful of the spirit and not be distracted by the body."
The words of these two great swordsmen serve as a guide on the path to true professionalism.
Comments