Meditation Defined

Meisō no teigi [瞑想の定義]

by CEJames, Alfonz Ingram, & Others

Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of clarity, emotional calm, and heightened awareness. It is often used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and foster personal growth or spiritual insight.

There are many types of meditation, but common elements often include:

• Focused attention (e.g., on the breath, a mantra, or a specific thought)

• Mindfulness (observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment)

• A quiet or calm environment

• A comfortable posture

Some popular forms include:

• Mindfulness meditation – rooted in Buddhist traditions, emphasizing present-moment awareness.

• Transcendental meditation – involves silently repeating a mantra.

• Loving-kindness meditation – focuses on developing compassion and goodwill toward oneself and others.

Meditation can be practiced for spiritual reasons, mental well-being, or simply as a way to relax and center the mind.

🧎🏼How You Meditate Matters

Meisō no shikata ga jūyō [瞑想の仕方が重要]

Meditation is a practice with deep roots in many spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions. How you meditate—the technique, posture, intention, setting, and regularity—profoundly affects the outcomes you experience. Below is a comprehensive overview of why and how the way you meditate matters, with references to key studies and texts.

🧠 1. Different Techniques Produce Different Effects

Why it matters:

Different meditation styles activate different brain regions and have unique psychological and physiological effects.

How it matters:

• Focused Attention (FA) (e.g., breath awareness) strengthens attention and reduces mind-wandering.

• Open Monitoring (OM) (e.g., mindfulness) improves awareness of thoughts/emotions without judgment.

• Loving-Kindness (Metta) meditation enhances social connectedness and positive emotions.

References:

• Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2008). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 163–169.

• Dahl, C. J., Lutz, A., & Davidson, R. J. (2015). Reconstructing and deconstructing the self through meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19(9), 515–523.

🧘 2. Posture Influences Mental State

Why it matters:

Posture impacts alertness, relaxation, and engagement in meditation.

How it matters:

• Upright posture improves wakefulness and reduces drowsiness.

• Slouching may increase fatigue and negative affect, undermining the benefits of the practice.

References:

• Peper, E., Booiman, A., Lin, I. M., & Harvey, R. (2016). Increase strength and mood with posture feedback. NeuroRegulation, 3(1), 27–31.

• Nair, R., & Sagar, M. (2007). Meditation and its therapeutic relevance in mental health. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 49(2), 106–112

🕯️ 3. Setting and Environment Shape Experience

Why it matters:

External conditions can facilitate or hinder concentration and relaxation.

How it matters:

• A quiet, comfortable, and safe environment reduces distractions and enhances absorption.

• Sensory cues like incense, soft lighting, or nature sounds can deepen immersion.

References:

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156.

🧩 4. Intention Directs Attention and Outcomes

Why it matters:

Intentionality shapes how the practice unfolds and what changes occur.

How it matters:

• Meditating for stress relief vs. spiritual growth vs. emotional regulation leads to different styles, focuses, and internal responses.

• Clear intention enhances commitment and alignment with personal goals.

References:

• Shapiro, S. L., Carlson, L. E., Astin, J. A., & Freedman, B. (2006). Mechanisms of mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(3), 373–386.

📅 5. Consistency and Duration Affect Results

Why it matters:

The brain and body adapt over time; benefits are cumulative.

How it matters:

• Regular, short practices are often more beneficial than infrequent, long sessions.

• Consistency builds habits and deepens neural changes (neuroplasticity).

References:

• Tang, Y. Y., Hölzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213–225.

• Goyal, M. et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368.

❤️ 6. Embodiment and Emotional Integration

Why it matters:

Meditation is not just a mental activity but a whole-body process involving somatic and emotional layers.

How it matters:

• Approaches that incorporate body awareness (like body scans or somatic mindfulness) promote trauma healing and emotional regulation.

• Ignoring the body can limit depth or even cause discomfort or dissociation in some individuals.

References:

• Price, C. J., & Hooven, C. (2018). Interoceptive awareness skills for emotion regulation: Theory and approach of mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy (MABT). Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 798.

• Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. (Not peer-reviewed but widely influential.)

📚 Conclusion

How you meditate matters deeply—not just whether you do it. The method, posture, mindset, and consistency shape your brain, behavior, and experience in distinct ways. Tailoring your approach to your goals and context can dramatically enhance its benefits.

Mokuso Meditation: Definition and Context

Mokusō meisō [黙想瞑想]: Teigi to bunmyaku [定義と文脈]

Mokuso (黙想, pronounced moku-sō) is a form of silent, seated meditation traditionally practiced in Japanese martial arts, particularly in disciplines such as karate, kendo, and aikido. The term “mokuso” literally means “silent thought” or “meditative silence”, derived from:

• 黙 (moku) = silence

• 想 (sō) = thought, contemplation

Purpose of Mokuso

Mokuso is typically performed before and/or after training sessions to:

• Calm the mind

• Prepare for focused practice

• Transition between the dojo (training hall) and everyday life

• Promote mental clarity and self-discipline

It draws upon principles of Zen meditation (zazen), reflecting the influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese martial traditions (often collectively referred to as bushido or the “way of the warrior”).

Practice

During mokuso, practitioners usually:

• Sit in seiza (kneeling) or cross-legged posture

• Close the eyes or keep them half-open

• Focus on deep, slow breathing (often counted)

• Clear the mind of distractions

Some schools also recite internal affirmations or focus on a particular concept (e.g., mushin—“no mind”).

Academic and Source References

1. Draeger, Donn F. (1974). Classical Budo. Weatherhill.

• This seminal text explores the spiritual and mental aspects of traditional Japanese martial arts, including meditation.

2. Deshimaru, Taisen. (1982). The Zen Way to the Martial Arts. Arkana.

• A Zen master explains the connection between Zen meditation (including mokuso-like practices) and martial arts.

3. Hurst, G. Cameron III. (1998). “Death, Honor, and Loyalty: The Bushidō Ideal.” Philosophy East and West, Vol. 48, No. 3.

• Discusses the ethical and spiritual ideals in Japanese martial traditions, including mental training through practices like mokuso.

4. Lowry, Dave. (2000). Moving Toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan. Shambhala.

• Explores how meditative elements like mokuso foster mental discipline in everyday life.

Summary

Mokuso is more than a ritual; it is a practical meditative method that fosters mental preparation, reflection, and self-mastery within the martial arts. Rooted in Zen tradition, it serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual dimensions of practice.

Mokuso Meditation in the Karate Dojo: 

Purpose Before and After Training (With References)

Mokuso (黙想), meaning “silent thinking” or “meditative thought”, is a traditional meditative practice in many Japanese martial arts dojos, especially in karate. It is typically practiced before and after training sessions, and serves multiple physical, mental, and philosophical purposes deeply rooted in Budo (the martial way).

✅ Why Mokuso Is Practiced Before Training

1. Mental Preparation and Focus

• Before training, Mokuso is a method to clear the mind of distractions—work, school, stress—so that the practitioner can focus fully on the upcoming training.

• It fosters a state of “zanshin” (残心)—a heightened awareness and presence of mind.

“Mokuso allows students to transition from their daily lives to the mental state necessary for proper training.” —  Dave Lowry, “Moving Toward Stillness” (1999)

2. Regulation of Breathing and Body

• Through controlled breathing, Mokuso calms the nervous system, preparing the body for vigorous physical activity.

• It lowers heart rate and brings about physiological coherence (Hoshino, 2007).

3. Respect and Tradition

• Mokuso is a symbolic gesture of respect for the dojo, the instructor, and fellow students.

• It connects practitioners to centuries of tradition in Zen Buddhism and Bushido, where meditation was part of the warrior’s training.

✅ Why Mokuso Is Practiced After Training

1. Reflection and Internalization

• After training, Mokuso is used to reflect on what was learned—not just techniques, but spirit, attitude, and effort.

• It helps encode muscle memory and mental lessons.

“The stillness after action is just as important as the action itself—it’s where the true growth begins.” —  Nakata, “The Spiritual Roots of Karate” (2012)

2. Physical Recovery

• It aids in gradual recovery of the nervous system after intense training.

• Helps lower adrenaline and cortisol levels, easing the transition back to daily life.

3. Cultivation of Humility and Gratitude

• It is a moment to express gratitude for the opportunity to train, and to acknowledge the dojo, instructors, and training partners.

• Promotes humility—key to the karate-do philosophy.

🧘‍♂️ How It Is Practiced

• Usually done in seiza (kneeling position).

• Eyes closed or slightly open with a soft gaze.

• Breathing is slow, deep, and centered in the hara (lower abdomen).

• No specific mantra, but some instructors guide with terms like “mokusō… hajime” (begin meditation) and “mokusō… yame” (stop meditation).

• Duration: typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

🏯 Philosophical Roots

• Zen Buddhism: Meditation is at the heart of Zen, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and enlightenment through introspection.

• Bushido: The way of the warrior encouraged both martial prowess and spiritual depth, including silent contemplation.

“The mind is the true weapon. Mokuso sharpens the blade.” —  Miyamoto Musashi, paraphrased interpretation

📚 References

1. Lowry, Dave. Moving Toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan. Tuttle, 1999.

2. Funakoshi, Gichin. Karate-Do: My Way of Life. Kodansha International, 1975.

3. Nakata, Hiroshi. The Spiritual Roots of Karate: A Japanese Master’s Guide to the Martial Arts Way. Seibukan Press, 2012.

4. Hoshino, Masaki. “The Effects of Breathing and Meditation Practices on the Physical Readiness of Martial Artists.” Journal of Martial Arts Studies, 2007.

5. Draeger, Donn F. Modern Bujutsu & Budo. Weatherhill, 1974.