Ki and Education (4) Basic principles of mind and body

I would like to consider the basic principles of the use of mind and body.

Mind and body are fundamentally united, and it is natural that we use them together. But we often are likely to use them in a separate way, as it they are in fact apart from each other.

For instance, you have probably had an experience of doing something and thinking that you do not want to do it at the same time. It is the state of using your body without facing your mind towards the goal. We call this state “mind-body separation.” In this state, our body easily becomes tired and our efficiency drops.

Here is a particular example.

I would imagine most people surely have had the experience of waking up in the morning and wanting to sleep a little longer. This is a case of your body trying to wake up while your mind is still asleep. In this condition, the energy of both mind and body are overspent merely by getting up from your bed.

On the other hand, what happens when you are doing something that you like doing? While you are doing your favorite things, you automatically use your body with the mind facing the goal. This state is called “oneness of mind and body.” With your mind and body in this state, you become full of brightness and efficiency.

If a person is looking forward to a round of golf, even if they so not usually like to arise early, may rise very early and cheerfully on a day of going to the links. If that person tried to wake up the same way on an unenviable day, it probably would become a great challenge.

Our body has its form; we can remember its existence by seeing or touching it. But the mind, it has no color or shape; we are likely to forget its presence. The condition of the body is strongly affected by the condition of the mind. It is quite simply a matter of your way of thinking.

We say the “ki is extended,” when our mind and body are united. When our ki is extended, we are able to supremely manifest our abilities. For comparison, we say the “ki is not extended,” when our mind and body are separated. Our body and mind are fundamentally united; it is natural for us to use them united as one. This means that it is natural for us when our “ki is extended.”

I have occasionally been asked “Will Ki burn out when we use it?” Well, that could not happen.

The Ki of nature and our personal Ki are always interacting. Imagine the nature of water. Stagnate water will rot, while flowing water will not.

It is the same with Ki.

When we extend personal Ki, the Ki of nature automatically fills us; Ki interacts with itself in this way. On the other hand, when this natural flow of Ki is interrupted, we call this “byo-ki” or illness. But when Ki is extended, naturally the body condition becomes fine, but when it is not, the body suffers.

In education, it is most essential to have the Ki extended.