ZANSHIN: THE MINDFULNESS

OF AIKIDO
A Reference Guide & Practice Worksheet

M I L E S K E S S L E R S E N S E I , 6 t h DA N A I K I K A I
M E D I TAT I O N T E AC H E R A N D A I K I D O S E N S E I
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The 4-Fold Definition Of Mindfulness

Characteristic:

Mindfulness sinks moment by moment.

Function:

Mindfulness stays with the object of observation.

Manifestation:

Mindfulness meets fully the object of observation.

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THE PROXIMATE CAUSE FOR THE ARISING
OF MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness Leads To Mindfulness

Mindfulness & clear comprehension
Association with mindful people & environments
Incline the mind towards Mindfulness

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Zanshin The Mindfulness Of Mindfulness

The definition of Zanshin:

Zan - to remain, to be leftover, to sustain

Shin - mind, heart, spirt, consciousness

Zanshin - Sustained Mindfulness

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Practice Worksheet - Zanshin - Sustained Mindfulness

PRACTICE ONE:

Applying Zanshin

1) How do you apply Zanshin in your Aikido practice?:

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2) How do you apply Zanshin in your meditation?:

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3) How do you apply Zanshin in your daily life?:

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PRACTICE TWO:

Following The Object Of Observation Until The End

1) In your MEDITATION practice choose 3 dierent objects (ex.: breath, physical sensation,
thought, etc.) and follow it until the end. Answer the following:

(I) What was the object? _____________________________________________________________

(II) How did it end (fade, dissolve, suddenly disappear, etc.)? _____________________________

(III) What was the first object after disappearing? ________________________________________

2) In your AIKIDO practice choose 3 dierent Techniques (ex.: Tai Jitsu, Weapons, Body
Movement, etc.) and follow it until the end. Answer the following:

(I) What was the technique? _________________________________________________________

(II) What was the quality at the very end? (stillness, stable, flowing, focused, etc.)? __________


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(III) What was the first experience after the end? _________________________________________


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The Integral Dojo 2017