Kanryō [完了] Mokuso [黙想]
Mokuso kanji define this term as, “Silent Contemplation.” Meaning:
- a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
- think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
- look at thoughtfully
- observe deep in thought
In karate they assume it means meditation, often by sitting seiza and meditating while breathing is a way using deep, slow and diaphragmatic techniques. Similar to, “combat breathing 😮💨,” thus bringing clarity and calm to the body, the mind and therefore one’s “spirit.”
The consideration, spiritual purposes, and thoughtful observation of one’s “inner self or being,” as the objective of mokuso.
In my understanding there are specific paths one might take to achieve “mastery (if you will allow a bit of leeway here,” of mokuso before sitting seiza (a difficult and uncomfortable way of sitting, even for Japanese who sit this was since adolescence).
I am inferring a more Chinese way called “Chi-gong.”
Fundamentally, we assume a stance with feet parallel and approximately shoulder width apart. Waist girdle tilted slightly forward, back straight, head level as if a string were pulling it straight up to the heavens. Shoulders relaxed slightly pulled back so the chest can expand, arms hanging and relaxed (so they will sway slightly as the body swivels and moves back and forth. Chin is slightly tucked, mouth slightly open to breath out, tip of tongue set in the natural divit at the roof of the mouth. All this simultaneously while breathing and using the mind to keep all the concepts provided in balance and the mind present.
Perform three breaths while raising the arms to chest level similar to the opening sequence of tai chi Chuan form and lower the body till the knees are bent, then lower the arms and let them hang quietly and completely.
Shift your body to the right leg, 90% of body weight to right leg and foot, rotate upper body and shoulders as a single unit while keeping the head and face facing forward, in this position shit body back to 90% weight to left leg and foot, rotate upper body till it’s bowing facing left with head forward. It’s a moving meditative process so you move continuously back and forth, breathing and focusing on breathe and your pro·pri·o·cep·tive (relating to stimuli that are produced and perceived within, especially those connected with the position and movement of the body).
Perform this moving mokuso for a minimum of ten minutes before practicing and training as well as after. With proficiency and with lots of practice sitting seiza one can lesson the sometimes extreme discomfort of seiza mokuso so said discomfort doesn’t detract from the objectives and goals of the concept.
Hieko-dachi stance, adjust for balance and comfort.
Remember: tai chi good posture centers around the principle of verticality. That means the head is centered over the torso, the torso rests over the hips, and the hips are centered over the legs and feet, your base of support.
It’s Important
- Feet and toes firmly connected to the earth;
- At start, weight balanced to both feet;
- Feet must remain firmly planted during all motion;
- Feet remain parallel and shoulder width apart;
- Hip girdle remains in line with the spine, neck and head;
- Shoulder girdle remains positively relaxed so the arms and hands sway gently when moving back and forth;
- Breathe in through the nose;
- Fill and expand the diaphragm;
- Then fill the lungs bottom to top gently expanding upper lungs;
- Hold for one count - then later two count - then a three count;
- Breathe out while tongue is positioned in mouth letting expelled breathe out through the mouth;
- Pick a spot directly ahead of you and keep your focus on that point;
- As you progress ensure all these points remain balance and positioned, etc.;
The goal is to use theses points and concepts in your mind and as your proficiency gains momentum they will drop into the subconscious “to do” mind, freeing patches of no-mind to gain a foothold until the mastery stage where dying the entire ten minutes your mind rests comfortably in the no-mind (mushin if you will) state of being. This clears the mind so one can better focus on training, practices and the creative learning process of one’s dojo.
After ten minutes one can begin to use those few moments to contemplate - at maximum concentration - the next session of the dojo, “to free the mind allowing to fill one’s martial cup to be stored in the martial brain.
I quote: Here's how to do it.
- The spine is literally the backbone of verticality, so let's start there. Tai chi classics say, "The spine should be like a necklace of pearls hanging from heaven." Your goal should be to elongate the spine while still allowing for its natural curves. This can reduce wear and tear on the discs between your vertebrae. In this position, your head will also sit squarely on top of your spine instead of jutting forward— a common profile that you will see if you take the time to observe others. Your head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds, but just a slight tilt forward more than doubles the amount of strain on your neck muscles. Get into typical texting position, and your muscles must work five times as hard. No wonder your neck and upper back are tight and achy. Proper alignment helps prevent that.
- The next area to focus on comprises the waist and pelvic region, which connect the upper body and lower body. In tai chi classics, this area is called the "commander." It's the central, coordinating hub where all movements originate. Muscle imbalances in this area have been associated with pain in the back, knee, and even neck, along with affecting your gait and balance. Maintaining tone and flexibility in the muscles and other soft tissues of the hip and pelvic area facilitates good posture and movement patterns and reduces pain.
- At the foundation of good posture are your feet, but you rarely hear about them in traditional posture advice. If alignment is off at your feet, though, the imbalance travels up the body, possibly causing painful problems along the way. Western thinking usually attempts to correct these misalignments with products like shoe inserts, but tai chi works to naturally correct imbalances and improve range of motion. While specifics vary with different tai chi movements, in general you should keep your weight centered over the balls of your feet and all of your toes, and point your feet in the direction of your kneecaps. The result is a healthier posture that works for you without forcing your body into uncomfortable positions.
So, the next time you want to improve your posture, skip the stiff stance and focus on your spine, pelvic region, and feet. - https://tinyurl.com/mvcputpb
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2b3m8m8u
The ancient Chinese practice of tai chi has become widely recognized as one of the most powerful ways to improve both physical and mental health.
7 BIG Benefits:
- Better Balance–Of all tai-chi’s big benefits, it’s the best-documented in medical literature! Studies show that older adults who do hour-long tai chi sessions one to three times a week are 43% less likely to fall, and they cut their risk of injury in half!
- No More Pain–A growing number of clinical trials show that tai chi offers significant relief from back, neck, arthritis, and fibromyalgia pain.
- A Sharper Mind–Tai chi can help reduce age-related cognitive decline … and even slow dementia!
- A Boost in Mood–In 82% of studies, tai chi greatly improved mood and lowered anxiety. Plus, it was shown to be an effective treatment for depression.
- Less Stress–Learn to step back and take a deep, calming breath.
- More Confidence–While gaining muscle and mind control.
- A Healthier Heart–Tai chi may offer advantages over other types of aerobic exercise, especially for people who are sedentary or very out of shape. And that’s not all. It also lowers blood pressure and total cholesterol, reduces chronic inflammation, and tones the sympathetic nervous system.
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