The Mind of Two Minds

When we first begin to delve into the terminologies of the martial arts we assume a certain directness associated with the physical. As we progress, assuming all things being equal or balanced, we begin to see a more spiritual or psychological connection. Take a look at the term, “Isshin.” It is often deciphered as “one heart.” In some character/ideogram translations it means, “One mind; wholeheartedness; one’s whole heart; oneself; one’s own interests; throughout the body, complete change; reform restoration; remodeling; renewal; first instance; first trial, etc. Then you look closer at the ideograms or kanji to narrow it down further to, “one mind; wholeheartedness; one’s whole heart.” 

If you delve even deeper to those great oceanic depths of philosophy and psychology you soon arrive at a meaning that drives both the mind and the heart in practice, training and application be it in combat, fighting, contests or duels or just “the way.” When one thinks of the “heart” they usually take a more “emotional approach.” When one things of the “mind” they usually take a “rational approach.” Here is where the fun and relevant stuff begins.

In reality, how we thrive and strive in life is about creating a wholehearted balance between the emotional and the rational. This is mind-state stuff and important to how one actually applies themselves in life and in a more micro-world, the world of martial arts (as would any similar discipline taken up by folks). 

It has been shown in “Emotional Intelligence” studies that we have two minds. It is two different kinds of intelligence, i.e. one measured we are all familiar with as I.Q. while the other is “emotional.” Consider how often violence is more about an emotional issue while the more pragmatic and peaceful parts of life are considered the “rational” way of the mind. We find difficulties when the two are out of balance. 

The two minds we have are “rational and emotional,” where any imbalance or disconnect, depending on which, results in conflict so it seems logical that we must achieve a balance that keeps both regulated for the good of the individual, their families and society in general. 

In our brains we have a complementary of the limbic system and a combination or interconnectedness of the neocortex, amygdala and our prefrontal lobes. These are what can, should and are the partners of living life within the brain, connecting the proverbial heart and mind into “one.” The results when balanced are both emotional and intellectual intelligence thus ability. The ability is where martial arts begins to “get the picture.” 

When you find the intelligent balance (emotional intelligence and rational intelligence) of the two you benefit from a harmonized head and heart - what I would and could define as “wholehearted” and “one heart.” 

To emphasize this a bit more from the Isshinryu perspective the first character for Isshin is defined as “one.” The second character is defined as, “heart; mind; spirit.” Notice in the use of these terms and characters there is a inter-connectedness in that which I provide between the “one heart and one mind.” If true and follows the beliefs of this systems creator we can understand why he chose the label, Isshinryu. It was to help the practitioners learn about both the heart and mind and then using other studies, i.e. like the kenpo gokui koan like silk certificates, bringing them both into unity and  balance. 

Here in lies the truth and belief behind such a system, bringing the human mind together into one wholehearted unit of life, the rational and the emotional. Both proven in studies to bring about a stable, intelligent and balance person benefitting him or herself, family and society. If you follow the “way” you might find this illuminating. 

“The Mind of Two Minds that are One.” - cejames

Bibliography:

MacYoung, Marc. "In the Name of Self-Defense: What It Costs. When It’s Worth It." Marc MacYoung. 2014.

Goleman, Daniel. "Emotional Intelligence: 10th Anniversary Edition [Kindle Edition]." Bantam. January 11, 2012.