Samurai Calmness and Sho-Sho-Jin: Enko Sakai’s Journey Toward Mindfulness and Personal Evolution
Enko Sakai, a contemporary Zen teacher and mindfulness advocate, brings profound wisdom to a world increasingly consumed by stress and discontent. His teachings center on achieving balance, finding purpose, and nurturing concentration through the principles of Zen meditation and mindfulness. With a practical yet deeply philosophical approach, Enko Sakai offers methods to manage stress, foster positive growth, and cultivate a state of nothingness that leads to inner peace and heightened awareness.
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a pervasive issue, contributing to countless problems. Enko Sakai categorizes stress into two types: negative and positive. Negative stress stems from interpersonal conflicts or life pressures, slowly eroding mental and physical health. Positive stress, conversely, arises when we set ambitious goals and strive toward meaningful purposes. Sakai emphasizes the importance of identifying and eliminating negative stress to live a successful, fulfilling life.
To combat negative stress, Sakai advocates a proactive approach. He suggests releasing stress through techniques such as making a low, loud sound, engaging in light exercise to sweat, or taking a walk under the morning sun. Another key method is disconnecting from digital distractions like smartphones and PCs for at least three hours. By emptying the mind in a serene environment, such as a beach, mountain, or forest, individuals can reset their mental state, allowing for renewed focus and action.
However, even after taking these steps, many may still experience residual fear, anxiety, or tension in critical moments. To address these emotions, Enko Sakai introduces a traditional yet modified Japanese practice known as "Samurai Hands." This method, inspired by the disciplined composure of samurai warriors, aims to calm the mind by preventing the diaphragm from contracting under stress.
The Samurai Hands technique involves holding the hands in a specific posture: extend your arms from the elbows, tangle your ring fingers together with one hand facing up and the other down, touch the tips of your thumb, first, and little fingers, and pull your shoulders down. Sakai explains that this posture prevents the physiological conditions associated with fear or insecurity. Practiced alongside deep breathing—expanding the belly on the inhale and slowly exhaling while maintaining that expansion—this technique can release tension and instill confidence.
The philosophy behind Samurai Hands reflects Sakai’s broader commitment to integrating ancient wisdom with modern needs. He draws inspiration from the historical discipline of Japanese samurai, particularly their ability to remain calm in life-threatening situations. This practice serves as an instant remedy for emotional distress, enabling individuals to face challenges with clarity and courage.
Central to Sakai's teachings is the Zen principle of Sho-Sho-Jin, which translates to making efforts in the right direction. He illustrates this concept with Aesop's fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, offering a unique interpretation rooted in Zen philosophy. In the story, the tortoise focuses solely on the finish line, while the hare becomes distracted by his competition with the tortoise. Sakai explains that the tortoise’s success lies in his steadfast focus on the right purpose, embodying Sho-Sho-Jin.
This philosophy underscores the importance of aligning efforts with meaningful goals rather than pursuing short-term gains. Sakai urges his audience to evaluate their true purpose in life and dedicate themselves to it with unwavering commitment. By doing so, one can live a life without regret, leaving behind meaningful "footsteps" even amidst the fleeting nature of existence.
Zen meditation also plays a crucial role in Enko Sakai’s philosophy. According to Sakai, the ultimate goal of Zen meditation is to improve concentration and achieve a state of nothingness—a mental clarity free of distractions. This state is reached through a progression: starting with positive stress, moving into a state of flow, and ultimately arriving at nothingness. Sakai credits this practice for his ability to recite hour-long English lectures despite not being fluent in conversational English.
Sakai cites the legendary samurai Musashi Miyamoto as an exemplar of achieving nothingness. Musashi, facing extreme stress and near-death experiences, discovered this heightened state of awareness and calm. Sakai explains that nothingness is not mere relaxation but a state of ultra-concentration, achieved by remaining vigilant and attuned to one’s surroundings. In this state, distractions fade, allowing the individual to experience profound contentment and connection to the present moment.
A poignant anecdote shared by Sakai illustrates the essence of mindfulness and empathy, hallmarks of Zen practice. Observing a young girl comforting a crying boy in a garden, Sakai noted her unique approach: instead of merely encouraging him to stand or helping him up, she lay beside him, shared his perspective, and then invited him to rise together. This act of shared experience and mutual understanding exemplifies the initial stage of genuine love.
Sakai draws a powerful lesson from this encounter, emphasizing the importance of "getting on the same page" as others to foster authentic relationships. Whether as parents, teachers, or leaders, aligning oneself with another's experience enables deeper connections and more meaningful interactions. This perspective is integral to his mindfulness teachings, which stress empathy and shared humanity as the foundation for personal and collective growth.
Reflecting on his own journey, Enko Sakai acknowledges that life is a continuous process of self-improvement. At nearly 60 years old, he remains committed to evolving as a person, not to achieve a specific goal but to embrace the journey of growth itself. He encourages others to adopt the same mindset, cautioning against repeating the same actions while expecting different results. Instead, he advocates gathering new information, exploring fresh approaches, and breaking through life’s barriers.
Through his teachings, Sakai instills hope and inspiration. He reminds his audience that progress is a lifelong endeavor and that both he and they are "still in progress." This shared journey of growth fosters a sense of solidarity and optimism, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams with determination and clarity.
Enko Sakai’s wisdom resonates deeply with those seeking balance and purpose in a chaotic world. His methods, from stress management techniques like Samurai Hands to the pursuit of Sho-Sho-Jin and the attainment of nothingness, offer practical and transformative tools for modern living. Through Zen meditation and mindfulness, Sakai guides his followers toward a life of greater awareness, empathy, and fulfillment, leaving an indelible impact on their hearts and minds.
In the words of Enko Sakai: “I am here now.” This simple yet profound acknowledgment of presence encapsulates his teachings. By embracing the present moment, understanding our purpose, and committing to meaningful efforts, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Sakai’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of Zen, inspiring all who encounter his teachings to live with intention and compassion.
