[Fuh-mi] Kakejiku - Mushin Calligraphy

Mushin is the ultimate mental state in martial arts. In English, it is often narrowly translated as "no mind," however this translation does not adequately capture the complexity of the concept.

Mushin has been explained using a variety of metaphors. Some people view it as a perfectly still lake with no ripples or waves, while others describe it as a mind free from fear, anger, hesitation, or ego. It doesn't mean there aren't any thoughts; rather, those thoughts are focused on the task at hand and free of emotions that cloud judgment. Practitioners sometimes experience it during a particularly hard and extended training session, but the ultimate goal of any martial artist is to maintain this state of mind at all times.

To quote Ryōkan Taigu (1758-1831), a famous Sōtō Zen monk, 「花無心招蝶 蝶無心尋花」: “Flowers thoughtlessly invite butterflies, which thoughtlessly visit flowers.” When butterflies flit, flowers bloom. They do not, however, plan their timing. It's all done in the state of mushin.

This Kakejiku is a "Maruhyoso Kakejiku": It is made in Japan with high quality kifune donsu. The honshi is made of high-grade gasen-shi, a traditional paper made of natural fibers used primarily for Sumi-e (brush painting) and calligraphy.

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