What is Mokuso and how to do it the right way?
Mokuso is a type of martial arts meditation practiced in Japanese martial arts like Karate and Kendo. Mokuso meditation is generally performed before and after a Karate training session in order to prepare and clear the mind.
In this article, I will cover the following:
- What is the origin of Mokuso?
- Why is Mokuso important?
- What is the right position for Mokuso?
- What state of mind should I have during Mokuso?
- What are the benefits Mokuso?
- How often should I practice Mokuso?
- How long should I practice Mokuso?
- Conclusion
The practice of Mokuso prepares the student to let go of the troubles of the day, and to be mindful of the present moment. With this guide, I will explain the right posture of Mokuso, it's usage and principles.
What is the origin of Mokuso?
As you probably know, the art of Karate finds its root in China, specifically in Shaolin temple, where it was cultivated and practiced as a martial know as Kung-Fu.
Shaolin temple was a Buddhist monastery where monks divided their time between martial art practice and meditation. They practiced a form of meditation called Dhyana in Sanskrit (a classical Indian language) that was originally developed in India by a man named Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. This form of meditation was called Zuo Chan in Chinese and later Zazen in Japan.
Centuries later, when Kung-Fu traveled from Fujian Province to the Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa, Japan), the tradition of meditation traveled with it as well and is considered today fully a part of Karate, and is now called Mokuso.
Why is Mokuso important?
There are specific reasons why Mokuso is practiced the way it is, in terms of body positioning. Let's discover why.
The primary purpose of the Mokuso position is to use it to gauge our state of mind during meditation. The position itself, especially the erectness of the spine and the position of the hands are excellent indicators of the meditators inner state. By staying fully present in the moment and attentive to your body, you will notice any change of posture and be able to correct it on the spot. Also, your sensei can understand your inner state by looking at your Mokuso posture and correct you if necessary.
Two states of mind to avoid
During the practice of Mokuso, it's essential to keep the balance between vigilance and relaxation - we should avoid going one way or the other. During Mokuso, it's important to keep your mind in the now, fully aware of yourself and your surrounding, not lost in your thoughts.
1. Sanran
Sanran is a state of mind characterized by excitation, restlessness, and overactivity of the mind (a.k.a. the monkey mind).
Common physical manifestations in your Mokuso posture:
- The eyes are open wide,
- The mouth is open,
- The thumbs are pointing upwards
2. Konchin
Konchin is a state of mind characterized by sleepiness, fatigue and lack of energy. It can be caused by a too important relaxed state.
Common physical manifestations in your Mokuso posture:
- The eyes will close,
- The back will crouch,
- The neck will relax, the head will "fall" forward.
- The hand's posture gets sloppy (thumbs "falling")
What is the right position for Mokuso?
As you could read before, Mokuso's position is a direct reflexion of your state of mind; therefore it is very important to perform Mokuso with the right position. Here's how to do it properly.
1. Beginning Mokuso
At the beginning of the Karate class, when your Sensei says "Mokuso!", kneel down in seiza. That pretty much means "Let's start Mokuso".
2. Seiza
In seiza, have about two fist width of distance between your knees and keep your back and neck straight. Imagine pushing the sky with the top of your head. Pull in the chin to erect the back of the neck. That will allow your brain to be fully irrigated with blood and oxygen. In seiza, you want to keep your spine and neck straight, so avoid crossing your feet.
The original Buddhist posture used in China (Zuo Chan) and Japan (Zazen) was the full or the half lotus. Throughout Karate history, these traditional postures were replaced by seiza for convenience.
As mentioned before, if you get tired or sleepy, or lack energy, your back and neck will crouch.
3. Hands & arms position
The position of the hands during Mokuso comes directly from Zen Buddhism and is called Hokkaijoin in Japanese. Put your left hand inside of your right hand, palms up. Put the tips of your thumbs together forming an oval shape. The tips of your thumbs should gently touch each other: avoid putting pressure. Rest both of your wrists on your thighs with the edge of your hands should resting against your belly, below your belt. Keep your shoulders relaxed, yet straight.
If you get excited or sleepy, your hands will react accordingly.
4. Eyes
Contrary to what most people think, you should keep your eyes are open during Mokuso. Keeping your eyes open will help you avoid falling asleep or daydreaming. Put your gaze about one meter in front of you on the floor, don't try to look at anything. Keep your eyes half opened and half closed.
5. Breathing
During Mokuso, breathe softly through your nose and keep your mouth closed. Establish a natural, calm, and deep rhythm. You should focus on exhaling while inhaling is done naturally. You will notice that Mokuso and Karate breathing methods are similar.
6. Ending
After a few minutes of meditation, your sensei will call "Mokuso Yame!" or "stop meditation". Wait 2-3 seconds then put your hands on your thighs and wait for further instructions.
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