Single-mindedness

[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!

[Hardball]

Yep, whenever I am at the Firearms range.

[..n..]

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

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.

[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.

[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]

...that you must never confuse this with schools that compete for titles and trophies.

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

[Hardball]

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

[Hardball]

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.

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