Kanshin - "The attentive eye"

The term "Kanshin no Me" (観心の目) is translated in Japanese as “the eye of inner observation” or “the eye of contemplation.” There are notable works that depict the historical figure Han Xin (known as Kanshin in Japanese), whose life embodies themes of introspection and humility. One such artwork is "Kanshin Matakuguri no Zu" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, which illustrates the moment when Han Xin endures humiliation by crawling between the legs of a thug – a testament to his patience and inner reflection.

The Japanese word Kanshin (関心) generally means interest or concern. In other words, attention or curiosity toward something.

Examples of usage:

• I have an interest in politics – 政治に関心がある

• Being concerned about environmental issues – 環境問題に関心を持つ

Do not confuse it with appreciation or being impressed – 感心 (kanshin)

For example:彼の努力に感心 – I was impressed by his effort.

So, depending on the kanji, the word kanshin can be interpreted as:

• Interest, awareness, attention (mental or intellectual focus) – 関心

• Appreciation, being impressed (emotional reaction) – 感心

In the context of martial arts (budo), the term 関心 (kanshin) maintains its general meaning of interest or awareness but gains deeper layers depending on the context of training or teaching.

1. Kanshin  as mental engagement:

In the dojo environment, the teacher might say: “Show more interest,” or “Be more attentive” (もっと関心を持て).The intention is mental presence – not just doing the technique, but being fully engaged, with curiosity and attention.

2. Kanshin  as strategic awareness:

In combat, or while practicing kata or technique, kanshin might imply:

• Awareness of the opponent’s movement

• Attention to distance (ma-ai)

• Reading intent (yomi)

In this way, kanshin becomes part of the concept of zanshin – “lingering mind” – the awareness that remains before, during, and after an action.

3. Kanshin vs Zanshin vs Mushin

Term	Meaning	Importance in Budo
Kanshin	Interest, attention, focused awareness	Mental engagement, noticing details
Zanshin	Lingering awareness, sustained mindfulness	Combat readiness, alertness
Mushin	“No-mind,” an empty state of mind	Acting in flow, absence of ego or thought

Kanshin is the initial stage of an encounter or combat – the “watchful eye,” the choice to pay attention to what’s happening. With continued training, one develops zanshin, and eventually mushin.

Kanshin no Me (関心の目) – "Interested Eye" or "Attentive Eye"

In the context of martial arts, kanshin refers to a focused and observing gaze:

It’s the way you look at the opponent and the environment – not just seeing, but observing with intention. It’s a component of awareness, strategy, and mental presence.

In the context of budo:

Kanshin no Me is often compared to:

• The “Four Poisons of the Mind” – fear, surprise, doubt, hesitation (Shikai - 四戒)

• “Dead eyes” – an unfocused or distracted gaze (Shisen - 死線)

• Eyes focused only on the weapon or attack – Ken no Me (剣の目)

The practitioner who demonstrates Kanshin no Me is aware but not fixed. They can observe (the opponent, the surroundings) without becoming mentally locked.

Objectives of Kanshin no Me in combat:

• Sensing the opponent’s intent

• Detecting changes in movement or rhythm

• Maintaining zanshin – continuous awareness throughout the action

Simply put:Kanshin no Me is the eye of someone who is calm, attentive, and ready.They see not only the opponent but the whole picture – like a hunter watching the forest, not just the prey.

Kanshin no Me in Bujinkan

In Bujinkan, we don't only train the body – we also train the eyes, the mind, and perception.Kanshin no Me refers to the “attentive eye” that sees beyond what’s visible.

This means:

• Not being dazzled by flashy movements or appearance

• Not focusing only on the weapon (like in Ken no Me)

• Seeing the intention, the kamae (姿勢), balance, and even the space around the opponent

The goal is to perceive the kūkan (空間) – the space, timing, and the connection between you and the opponent.

Connection to other “eyes” in Bujinkan:

In classical Japanese martial arts (koryu), including those that make up Bujinkan’s schools, there are various concepts of different “eyes”:

Type	Meaning	Risks/Characteristics
Ken no Me	Eye focused on the sword or weapon	Can be deceived, too narrow a field of view
Jutsu no Me	Eye focused on the technique	May miss timing or feeling
Kanshin no Me	Eye of interest / awareness	Balanced, sees the full situation
Enzan no Metsuke	“Gaze at a distant mountain”	Soft, wide gaze – key to seeing everything

Kanshin no Me is a mental and perceptual state that leads you toward Enzan no Metsuke – a state where you're not fixed but aware of all threats.

3. In Training:

During taijutsu practice:

• When uke attacks – do not fix your gaze on the hand or weapon

• Use Kanshin no Me to observe the whole body – subtle shifts in weight, breathing, or intent

• Relax the eyes and let them perceive the flow – instead of obsessively focusing

The famous quote by Hatsumi Sensei – “To see without seeing” – is directly connected to developing Kanshin no Me.

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Sources:

Here are some sources that explain the concepts of Kanshin (関心) and Kanshin no Me (関心の目) in martial arts, especially within the Bujinkan framework:

1. Kanshin: The Art of Anticipating and Connecting in Martial Arts This article discusses the concept of kanshin, translated as “sensitivity” or “quick perception.” In martial arts, it refers to full presence and awareness of both internal emotions and the external environment, allowing practitioners to anticipate opponents and respond effectively.Link

2. The Heart of Bujinkan Martial Arts | Sanshin no MushinThis article explores the importance of developing the right heart (a good heart) in Bujinkan training. It emphasizes the unity of heart, technique, and body (Shin Gi Tai Ichi), while highlighting the role of emotional and mental presence in martial arts.Link

3. Sanshin | BUJINKAN TASMANIAThis article delves into Sanshin (“Three Hearts”), a core component in achieving the ultimate martial arts goal – Shin Gi Tai Ichi (heart, technique, and body as one). It emphasizes the importance of sincere heart in training and understanding within the dojo.Link

4. Understanding the Sanshin – Todai Bujinkan DojoThis source provides an in-depth look at the Sanshin no Kata (Three Hearts Forms), detailing the five movements practiced in three different ways. It offers insight into fundamental forms and their meaning in Bujinkan practice.Link