An indomitable spirit discovers inner strength through adversity.
Friday, June 10, 2011
What is Zanshin?
Zanshin is written as two Japanese characters, "残" (zan) and "心" (shin). These mean "remaining" or "lingering" and "spirit" (or "mind") respectively.
In my first post on this blog, I talked a little bit about what meaning I give to the word zanshin.
"To me, zanshin also conveys the "fighting spirit" of the individual after the fight is over. If victorious, there is a forward-looking awareness that does not lose focus by the victory. If defeated, there is an indomitable spirit that is evident, with honor and grace."
For me, this blog represents a way to share my efforts to maintain my fighting spirit in the wake of separation and divorce. Despite the pain and misery I go through, I resolve to look ahead with optimism and stay the course. I will share the ways that I have found to cope with my feelings of anger and grief in a positive way. It is my hope that the flashes of beauty and light to be found as I navigate my new life will bring inspiration to others who may be going through difficult times.
Today I want to talk a little more about the definition of zanshin. I started looking around online for more information, and I was surprised to find quite a few other blogs with zanshin in their name. I hadn't intended to copy anyone, but I guess that it just shows the power of the word, and the myriad ways to interpret it.
Aikido for Beginners has an excellent post on zanshin as it relates to martial arts.
A post in Kendo World talks about zanshin outside of the martial arts. I especially like the part where Alex mentions lack of zanshin in mountaineering:
Around 80% of climbing accidents happen not on the way up, but on the way down. The inexperienced climber reaches the summit and relaxes their guard on the descent, mistakenly thinking the battle is over.
Bruce Lee is quoted at Zen Habits. Although it doesn't use the word itself, many other people refer to "mind like water" being one way of understanding zanshin;
"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."
At Zanshin Art, Janet describes zanshin as "the state of relaxed alertness...in which artists create". She also explores "the links between fine and martial arts" in her blog.
ChangeForge is a blog about change management as it relates to corporate growth. Ken Sterns mentions zanshin as balanced way to remain highly effective.
"Relax but do not become complacent, seek to clear your mind of clutter, and maintain balance in mind, body, and spirit."
Paul's Zanshin is a blog about business strategies, and Paul Nicholls refers to zanshin as a small business having "total awareness, readiness for anything, calm and centered yet prepared to act in a moment."
In Kyudo (Japanese archery), zanshin is the focus of the archer after the arrow is shot.
As a martial artist, I realize that a martial art (in my case, karate-do) is really a way of life, not merely something to learn. After having my foundation shaken, I am seeking a new balance in my life. I am discovering a "new me" and uncovering the "old me," or my inner spirit that persists.
Thank you for sharing. I am grappling with this term and trying to convey my understanding of it to my karate-ka. Your input was most useful. And please, do start writing again.
Thank you for the encouragement to start writing again. I have become very busy and have sort of migrated away from it. The fact that someone wants to see more is good incentive. Thank you, again.
Thank you for sharing. I am grappling with this term and trying to convey my understanding of it to my karate-ka. Your input was most useful. And please, do start writing again.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you found this post helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement to start writing again. I have become very busy and have sort of migrated away from it. The fact that someone wants to see more is good incentive. Thank you, again.