Mushin – a state without the mind
The literal translation of the word "Mushin" is "without mind". It seems like a paradox because it is impossible to have a mindless state of mind. Mushin is actually a representation of a state of an empty mind when it is not preoccupied with anything, no other thoughts, i.e. when you are literally thinking of nothing. Mushin is a state of mind when you literally empty it. "Empty your mind. Be without form, shape, think of yourself as water." -Bruce Lee (1940 – 1973)
Old masters often used to say "empty heart, empty mind" for the Mushin state of mind. When martial arts master and Zen teacher Yagyu Taimano Kami talks about that term, he speaks about a perfect and precise reflection of everything that exists.
To clarify, the Mushin state of mind is like the Moon's reflection on a still pond's surface. But when the wind blows, the pond becomes wavy and the Moon's reflection becomes distorted. In other words, when the mind and heart are full of thoughts, everything becomes distorted.
When trying to become one, in order to understand everything and feel everything as it really is...you need to be totally empty and totally still. That is Mushin. Achieving that is not really simple, some people can achieve it by themselves, others need to be under a certain optimal level of stress, but most people achieve it through means of meditation.
Mushin in Japanese and Wuxin in Chinese is a popular state of mind which many try to accomplish through Zen or Dao meditation. Mushin is actually an abbreviated term that comes from its Zen name which is mushin no shin, a state of mind without thought. So, an entirely quiet mind, free of all thought, i.e. a mind that is not occupied by any thoughts.
A mind that is totally quiet and not preoccupied with anger, fear or nervousness as well as certain egoistic thoughts from everyday life. It is a very relaxed mind which can sometimes work very fast without any real plan, direction or a certain intention. Many martial arts masters believe that the Mushin state of mind is key in martial arts, but they are wrong. It is certainly of great importance, but it is not key.
This kind of belief is a result of the confusion between Mushin and Zanshin. These two states of mind are somewhat connected, but are not identical, there are great differences between them. The main difference is that the Mushin state of mind can also be used in meditation, in everyday life, it can be trained (in yoga, e.g.) whereas Zanhsin state of mind has its use exclusively in martial arts.
Zanshin – a state of relaxed awakeness, residual mind
The Zanshin state of mind is often referred to as the spirit of a warrior.