Tom Yum

I've read the Hagakure.

Its a great little book, written as a training guide for Samurai. It mentions the concept of single-mindedness in the following passage:

There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. Live being true to the single purpose of the moment .

I thought about this for a second. Where did I hear or read about this before? The last reference I could remember was from a book I read 10 years ago called Rogue Warrior, written by Richard Marcinko.

When he talks of the SEALs he mentions that they have the ability to develop a laser-like focus at any instance. I'd liken focus to a single-mindedness.

So what is it that cultivates single-mindedness that warrior's develop? Is it something they are born with or can it be trained?

Tieing this into the suffering thread, I've noticed that whenever I've suffered through something new, it slows me down at first, but then it creates an intense burning desire in my heart and mind to move forward. So another by product of suffering is a sharpening effect...

Its a single-mindedness; a doubled-up recommitment, with a sharper mind and the ability to think faster, work harder and take on more aggressive goals.

Has anyone experienced this?



PS - this is my last post for the day (on a post diet). Have a good one, folks!

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Hardball

Yep, whenever I am at the Firearms range.

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The Way of the Warrior is Practice. Daily practice, accumulate practice minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. {Book of 5 Rings} Mike Brewers 2008 Sit up challenge 30,000/100,000 running balance.(Crunches) Kicks 6,300/100,000

..n..

Fortunately, you’re already in the present moment at this time. Just remind yourself of that every now and then and focus on your breath- if you are fighting in that moment you will be a single minded warrior.

eXcessiveForce

Single Mindedness of purpose, as it is called in A Book of Five Rings is another word for focus. It is the ability to mute those thoughts that run through our heads that do not serve to attain the goal at hand.

It is a common quality for warriors because of the need to block out things such as fear, or pain or what ever else that may cloud the mind. Anything that may keep them from getting the job done. This also means removing self doubt and limitations from your thoughts and simply be.

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eXcessiveFORCE.

If you must use force, make it excessive.

Hardball

I meditated by candle light half the night before my Black Belt test. Clearing my mind and visualizing the test in my minds eye.

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The Way of the Warrior is Practice. Daily practice, accumulate practice minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. {Book of 5 Rings} Mike Brewers 2008 Sit up challenge 30,000/100,000 running balance.(Crunches) Kicks 6,300/100,000

Shadoh

I've experianced this in sparring match's back when i first began and would forget my breathing. After taking many hits to the ribs (One of the benfits of training with black belts when i was still learning how to spar) I would find myself crouching and having shooting pains from lack of breath, and kicked ribs. But i noticed that once i began blocking one punch, then a kick, then another the pain began to go away, and my movements quickend. Afterwards however it HURT!

Couldnt this also be attributed to Adrenaline? If you've ever tasted that on the tip of your tounge you know what i mean.

BoarSpear

Fill your note book with this

jubaji

Or that never compete at all, just sit around reading books and imagining things they've never actually performed.

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Hardball

M. Musashi Book of 5 Rings, "The Way of the Warrior is the Resolute Acceptance of Death" Resolute being without fear.

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The Way of the Warrior is Practice. Daily practice, accumulate practice minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. {Book of 5 Rings} Mike Brewers 2008 Sit up challenge 30,000/100,000 running balance.(Crunches) Kicks 6,300/100,000

eXcessiveForce

that would not be exactly true,

resolute
res·o·lute /ˈrɛzəˌlut/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[rez-uh-loot] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.
2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.

so this would remove fear from the process it means more than simply not being afraid.

In another part of the book it states, "It is dishonorable to die with a weapon untried"

It means more that you accept death as a foregone conclusion so there is no reason to hold back or not do what needs to be done. To complete the mission without regards for ones own person but only for the task at hand.

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eXcessiveFORCE.

If you must use force, make it excessive.

Hardball

Thanks, I remember reading all of that too!!! Just wanted to see if you where paying attention. LOL

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The Way of the Warrior is Practice. Daily practice, accumulate practice minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. {Book of 5 Rings} Mike Brewers 2008 Sit up challenge 30,000/100,000 running balance.(Crunches) Kicks 6,300/100,000