TLDR;
This video tells the story of Daisho, a young samurai who loses everything due to uncontrolled rage, and his journey to master self-control through three principles: Mushin (empty mind), Ma (sacred space or interval), and Wabi-sabi (acceptance of imperfection). Guided by a former raging warrior, Masato, Daisho learns to create space between emotion and action, transforming his explosive reactions into conscious choices. Ultimately, he becomes a teacher, imparting these principles to others, emphasizing that true freedom lies in awareness and presence.
- Daisho's initial downfall due to uncontrolled rage.
- Introduction to the three principles: Mushin, Ma, and Wabi-sabi.
- Daisho's transformation through rigorous practice and self-reflection.
- The importance of creating space between stimulus and response.
- Daisho's ultimate role as a teacher, guiding others to find self-control and freedom.
The Awakening [0:51]
Daisho, a promising 23-year-old samurai, loses his position and honor after an outburst of rage during training, resulting in injury to the weapons master, Nakamura. Lord Teada dismisses him, stating that a samurai without self-control is a danger to his clan. Daisho's family suffers due to his actions, and he is consumed by shame, realizing he reacted without pausing to think. At the river, Daisho encounters Masato, an older samurai who offers to teach him three principles—Mushin, Ma, and Wabi-sabi—that changed his life and can help Daisho control his emotions.
The Principle [6:12]
Masato introduces Daisho to the three principles: Mushin, Ma, and Wabi-sabi. Mushin, or "empty mind," involves observing thoughts without being controlled by them, like a petal on water. Ma is the "sacred space" or interval between stimulus and response, allowing for choice rather than reaction. Wabi-sabi is the acceptance of imperfection, preventing conflict with reality when expectations are unmet. Masato explains that these principles work together to create Fudoshin, the immovable mind, which feels everything but is moved by nothing.
The Test [9:52]
Masato assigns Daisho three daily practices: 15 minutes of Mushin meditation to observe thoughts, practicing Ma by taking one breath before responding, and identifying and releasing one unrealistic expectation daily for Wabi-sabi. Daisho struggles initially, but gradually improves, finding moments of peace and learning to create space between his emotions and reactions. After two weeks, Masato tests Daisho by striking him unexpectedly during sparring. Daisho successfully applies the three principles, maintaining control and earning Masato's praise for finding the interval under pressure.
Warrior Psychology [13:53]
Masato explains the psychological basis of the three principles, referencing Miyamoto Musashi and Marcus Aurelius. Mushin involves thinking lightly of oneself to avoid being controlled by thoughts and emotions. Ma allows the "wise mind" (prefrontal cortex) to catch up with the "quick mind" (amygdala), creating new neural pathways for chosen responses. Wabi-sabi is radical acceptance of imperfection, which reduces suffering. Masato emphasizes that mastering these principles leads to freedom from being a "puppet" of reactions, enabling conscious choices.
The First Transformation [18:00]
Three weeks later, Daisho is summoned by Lord Teada to return his equipment. Applying Mushin, Ma, and Wabi-sabi, Daisho faces his shame and the judgment of others with composure. He apologizes to Nakamuraan, who recognizes the influence of Masato. Lord Teada is impressed by Daisho's transformation and allows him to keep his swords as payment for a lesson learned. Daisho experiences his first taste of Fudoshin, remaining unmoved by his emotions. He requests to continue training with Masato, who agrees and prepares him for deeper training in the mountains.
Deep Training [22:24]
Daisho undergoes a seven-day isolation in an ancient mountain temple to deepen his understanding and practice of Mushin, Ma, and Wabi-sabi. He spends his days in zazen meditation, walking meditation, and sword practice, facing his mind without distractions. Through this rigorous practice, Daisho experiences shifts in his awareness, finding a fundamental okayness beneath his thoughts, learning to move naturally without interference, and accepting his past actions without resistance. By the end of the week, he achieves true Mushin, where his mind becomes the space itself.
The Final Confrontation [28:32]
Upon Masato's return, Daisho learns that he has been challenged to a duel by Yoshida, a skilled samurai who aims to prove the worthlessness of philosophy against real aggression. At the duel, Daisho remains calm and present, applying Mushin to observe Yoshida's attacks without being caught in thought. He utilizes Ma to move with perfect timing, avoiding each strike. Eventually, Daisho disarms Yoshida without attacking, demonstrating the power of awareness over reckless action. Impressed, Lord Teada restores Daisho's position, but Daisho requests to continue training and become a teacher.
