Viktor Fersht
Those who understand without the mind - Fershteiners
No-mind is a type of intelligence used by people who understand others without emotions and fantasies - Fershteiners.
Versteiners (from the German word Verstein - to understand) use non-thinking (thoughtless) intelligence in their mental activity. In English - this is Mindless intelligence.
The key phrase for switching to the state of no-mind is "think about non-thinking". It may seem paradoxical, but it has a deep philosophical meaning. This concept is often used to describe a state of mind in which a person seeks to achieve inner peace and clarity through liberation from the constant flow of thoughts.
What is "non-thinking"?
Non-thinking is a state when the mind is freed from obsessive thoughts and experiences. This does not mean a complete absence of thoughts, but rather the ability to observe them without getting emotionally involved in them. This state is often associated with mindfulness practices.
Synonyms of no-thinking: no-mind, letting go, flow, thinking about no-thinking, about emptiness, about zero point of energy, surrendering body and mind, thinking inside your body into inner infinity.
No-mind synonyms – letting go, flow, paradox, abstraction, general semantics, quantum effect.
The term no-mind is used to denote "a state in which a master is so immersed in his art that his body naturally and spontaneously responds to all challenges without thinking." This is compared to the psychological concept of flow and "being in the zone."
As such, this state is beyond any desires or attachments, beyond all views, conceptualizations or dualities (such as being and non-being, birth and death).
Mind and no-mind are two contradictory states of human consciousness. Sometimes we are sane and do everything wisely. Sometimes we act without a mind in a state of madness. Smart people can be crazy, just as stupid people can sometimes create amazing masterpieces. Thus, there is a state of mind and a state of no-mind.
For Ferstheiners, mind is not a state, but a part of the body or consciousness. It can be turned off, like, for example, turning off vision by closing your eyes or hearing by closing your ears. Or smell.
And no-mind for Fershteiners is something inexplicable, but which can be felt. Like, for example, if we do not see someone in a dark room, but we certainly feel their presence. Or like in an abstract painting we do not see a clear image, but we feel it. Or read between the lines. Or an example from general semantics, where the map is not the territory.
Mind and No-mind - perhaps these are also not two states, but two entities. A person can interact with any of them or be neutral. How can a car driver turn on the engine speed or turn off the engine or switch the gearbox to neutral?
In this case, the engine speed will correspond to the energy consumed by the engine (this is the energy of non-mind, non-judgmental awareness in the example of a person), the engine is off - no energy consumption (unconscious autopilot and life on instincts and emotions in a person) and the neutral position of the gearbox is idling the engine at low speeds with low energy consumption (complete unconsciousness, emotionlessness and indifference in a person).
Switching to non-mind, we can easily resolve any problems and conflicts. But we spend a lot of our internal energy. However, it is the expenditure of our energy that is the key ... We use different types of energy, which must constantly find a way out of us, otherwise this energy stagnates and turns into illnesses and life problems.
According to German scientist Müller, some researchers and practitioners have made the mistake of thinking that the term "no-mind" or "no-thought" refers to "some permanent or continuing absence of thought" or to "a permanent incapacitation of the thinking faculty or a permanent cessation of all conceptual activity."
However, this assumption is erroneous, and is not what is taught in classic Ch'an/Zen texts such as the Platform Sutra or the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment. Similarly, Japanese philosopher Izutsu Toshihiko argues that no-mind is not unconsciousness, mental torpor, lethargy, or absentmindedness. Instead, it is a state of intense clarity and lucidity, and compares it to the state of a master musician.
Soto Zen Dogen in his key work on zazen (sitting meditation), Fukan Zazengi. The key passage that has become the paradigmatic description of zazen in the Soto school first describes the preliminary postures of zazen and other preparations, and then reads:
...assume a stable, motionless sitting position. Think of non-thinking (fushiryo). How do you think of non-thinking? Without thinking (hishiryo). This in itself is the basic art of zazen. The zazen I am talking about is not a training in meditation. It is simply the Dharma-door of peace and bliss, the cultivation-certification of fully realized enlightenment. It is the presence of things as they are.
According to Cleary, this refers to ekō henshō ō, the turning of the light, the focusing of awareness on awareness itself. According to Dogen scholar Masanobu Takahashi, the term hishiryō does not refer to a state in which there is no mental activity, or the cutting off of all thinking. Instead, it refers to a state “beyond thinking and non-thinking,” which Thomas Kasulis interprets as “simply accepting the presence of ideation without affirmation or denial.” Other Japanese Dogen scholars associate the term with the realization of emptiness.
In Buddhist terms, Suzuki also believed that in this state, the Buddha begins to work through you. Thus, Suzuki writes, “abandon both body and mind and throw them all into the Buddha. And let the Buddha work for you.” For Suzuki, the achievement of no-mind is achieved through trusting oneself in the Buddha, who is the “primordial purity” (honshō shōjō 本性清浄) at the heart of all beings. Indeed, Suzuki believed that pure no-mind is also at the heart of all religions.
Nishihira Tadashi compares these ideas to Dogen's concept of "flexible mind" (nyūnanshin 柔軟心), which is achieved when one "drops body and mind" in zazen.
The key concept is Nishihira Tadashi's idea of introducing the mind into the body with the goal of becoming no-mind.
Nishihira Tadashi, in his book The Philosophy of No-Mind: Experience Without Self, describes the process of "throwing" the mind into the body as part of the philosophy of "No-Mind" (mushin). This concept involves being completely immersed in the present moment and uniting with the environment, be it rain, music, or interaction with other people. The process of "throwing" the mind into the body allows one to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time, which facilitates peak performance and a deep connection with reality. Tadashi emphasizes that this state is associated with the abandonment of self-identification and the opening of space for genuine care and attention to others. He also views "No-Mind" as a dynamic concept that balances between denial and affirmation of the self, rest and activity, and explores its connection with social ethics and religious transcendence.
Nishihiro Tadashi, in his book The Philosophy of No-Mind: Experience Without Self, describes the process of moving from the ordinary state of consciousness to the state of "No-Mind" as a profound philosophical and spiritual experience. He explains that "No-Mind" (mushin) is a state in which one loses oneself in the reality of the present moment and becomes one with it, which leads to peak performance. This state is related to Japanese spirituality and includes several key aspects:
Letting go of the calculations of the mind: This involves letting go of habitual mental patterns and calculations, allowing the consciousness to become more alive and connected to reality.
Oneness with the environment: The process of "throwing" the mind into the body involves consciously connecting with elements of the environment, such as rain, music, or an audience. This allows one to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Disengagement from the ego: Interacting without ego involvement allows for genuine care and consideration for others.
Dynamic complexity: Nishihira views "No-Mind" as a concept that balances between denial and affirmation of the self, rest and activity, and explores its connection to social ethics and religious transcendence.
Thus, the process of transitioning to the state of "No-Mind" involves deep immersion in the present moment and release of habitual mental limitations, which allows for a higher degree of awareness and unity with the surrounding world.
There are many scientific studies that study the influence of the mind on the body, especially in the field of psychosomatics. Here are some key aspects and conclusions from such studies:
1. Psychosomatics: This field of medicine examines how a person's psychological state, including stress, anxiety, and depression, can affect physical health. For example, chronic stress and negative emotions can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the development of cardiovascular disease and other physical disorders.
2. Impact on physical health: Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety can manifest themselves on a physical level. For example, depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to hormonal imbalances and lifestyle changes.
3. Emotional factors: Emotions play a key role in the development of psychosomatic diseases. Long-term psycho-emotional stress can cause cascading reactions in the body that lead to pathological changes.
4. Historical context: Psychosomatic connections were noticed by Hippocrates in ancient times. Modern research continues to study these relationships, confirming that stress and mental problems can be the cause of various diseases.
These studies highlight the importance of understanding the interaction between the mind and body to improve overall health and well-being.
Philosophical and spiritual context of the term a No-mind: In the context of Isha Kriya and Sadhguru's teachings, the phrase "I am not the body, I am not the mind" is used to help people detach from their physical and mental identities. It is not just a slogan, but a subtle reminder to promote awareness of the breath and mind.
Zen and Meditation: The concept of "no-mind" in Zen and meditation practices refers to a state where the mind is set aside, allowing people to perceive reality without mental interference. This state involves experiencing thoughts without identifying with them and realizing that the mind is just an appearance, not reality.
The concept of "No-mind" has been used in various forms by a number of famous philosophers and thinkers. For example, Lao Tzu said, "He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know," reflecting the idea that true understanding does not require verbal expression. Confucius also emphasized the importance of recognizing one's own limitations, stating that true knowledge lies in understanding the limits of one's ignorance. Socrates, in turn, is famous for the phrase “I know that I know nothing,” which also resonates with the concept of “No-mind.” These philosophers emphasized the importance of recognizing the limitations of the mind and seeking deeper understanding.
Modern philosophers who use the concept of “No-mind” include Osho and Sadhguru. Osho, a renowned spiritual teacher, emphasized that he does not teach philosophy, but teaches a state of “no-mind,” in which all philosophies disappear because they depend on the mind as an instrument of knowledge. Sadhguru also uses the concept of “no-mind” in his teachings, especially in the practice of Isha Kriya, where the phrase “I am not the body, I am not the mind” serves as an aid to breath awareness and distancing oneself from identification with the body and mind.
Contemporary thinkers and spiritual teachers who support and develop the idea of "No-mind" include:
The concept of "No-mind" has been explored not only by Osho, but also by other authors and philosophers, especially in the context of Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy.
Other Authors and Philosophers
1. D. T. Suzuki: A Japanese scholar and popularizer of Zen Buddhism in the West, D. T. Suzuki, in his works such as "The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind", explored the concept of "No-mind" as a state of consciousness free from attachments and thoughts. Suzuki described this state as clarity and freedom from conceptual thinking.
2. Zen Buddhist Philosophy: The concept of "No-mind" (or *mushin* in Japanese) is an important part of Zen Buddhist practice. This state is described as a mind unoccupied by thoughts or emotions, open to everything. Classic Zen texts such as the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra discuss the idea of non-attachment to concepts as a path to enlightenment.
3. Modern Researchers: Chiara Robbiano, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University College Utrecht, has also studied aspects of No-mind in the context of Eastern philosophy, emphasizing its importance for interpersonal interaction and education.
Thus, the concept of No-mind has deep roots in Eastern philosophy and has been explored by various authors who have sought to explain it from both traditional and modern perspectives.
Sadhguru: He uses the concept of No-mind extensively in his teachings, emphasizing the importance of realizing that one is not one's body or mind. This is a key element of his practices such as Isha Kriya.
Eckhart Tolle: Although not directly mentioned in the context of Osho's "no-mind", his teachings on the "power of the present moment" and liberation from the constant stream of thoughts echo Osho's ideas on overcoming the mind as the source of suffering and illusion.
These researchers continue to develop ideas related to going beyond rational thinking and liberation from identification with the mind, which was characteristic of Osho and his approach to philosophy and spirituality.
In the works of German and Austrian psychologists, the concept of "No-mind" is not as widely discussed or acknowledged as in the teachings of Osho or other spiritual leaders. However, one can consider some aspects that may be related to this idea:
1. Sigmund Freud: Although Freud did not use the term "No-mind", his work on the unconscious and free association may be indirectly related to the idea of going beyond rational thinking. Freud believed that many of our thoughts and actions are driven by unconscious processes that are not always amenable to logical analysis.
2. Carl Jung: Jung, also an Austrian psychologist, developed ideas of the collective unconscious and archetypes that transcend individual consciousness and rational thought. His work with symbols and myths may be related to the idea of "No Mind" in that it suggests the existence of deep levels of the psyche that are not fully accessible through rational thought.
These psychologists, while not using the term "No Mind," explored areas of the psyche that transcend traditional rational understanding, which may be related to ideas like those developed by Osho.
The Concept of "No Mind" in the Context of Albert Einstein's works and quantum physicists are not the direct focus of their research. However, some aspects of their work and philosophy may be related to this idea:
1. Albert Einstein: Although Einstein did not use the term "Not Mind", his thoughts on the nature of reality and consciousness may be related to this concept. Einstein viewed human consciousness as part of a larger universe and emphasized the importance of freeing ourselves from the illusion of separateness, which echoes ideas about moving beyond the limitations of the mind.
2. Quantum Physicists: Quantum mechanics, with its uncertainty principle and probabilistic nature, offers views of reality that can be interpreted as going beyond traditional rational thought. Some modern researchers, such as Roger Penrose, view consciousness as a quantum phenomenon, which also ties into the idea of "Not Mind" as it suggests that there are levels of reality that are not fully comprehensible through rational thought.
Thus, although the concept of "Not Mind" is not directly discussed in the works of Einstein and quantum physicists, some of their ideas and discoveries can be related to this topic through their exploration of the nature of reality and consciousness.
The concept of "Not Mind" in the context of the works of Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg is not directly discussed, as their work focused on developing quantum mechanics and understanding physical phenomena. However, some of their ideas can be related to principles that can be interpreted as going beyond traditional rational thinking:
1. Niels Bohr: Bohr developed the principle of complementarity, which states that several mutually exclusive approaches must be used to fully describe quantum systems. This suggests that rational and irrational understanding can complement each other, which can be related to the idea of "Not Mind", which suggests going beyond the limitations of the mind.
2. Erwin Schrödinger: Although Schrödinger is mostly known for his wave equation, his thought experiment with Schrödinger's cat highlights the paradoxical nature and uncertainty in quantum mechanics. This may be related to the idea of "No Mind" as it requires the acceptance of a multiplicity of states that defy traditional rational explanation.
3. Werner Heisenberg: His uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to measure simultaneously a pair of conjugate variables, such as position and momentum. This highlights the fundamental limitations in our knowledge, which may be related to the idea of "No Mind" as it suggests the existence of aspects of reality that cannot be fully understood through rational thought.
Thus, although the concept of "No Mind" is not part of their scientific work, some of their ideas can be interpreted as related to this concept through exploring the limits of rational understanding and accepting uncertainty.
In English texts, the expression "No Mind" as used by Osho and Sadhguru is usually translated as *No-Mind*. This concept refers to a state in which one is freed from the limitations of rational thought and reaches a deeper level of awareness and understanding.
1. Osho: In his teachings, Osho used the term *No-Mind* to describe the state of freedom from mental limitations. He stated that the mind is a prison and "no-mind" is freedom and enlightenment. This state allows one to go beyond the illusions created by the mind and achieve true understanding and awareness.
2. Sadhguru: Although Sadhguru does not use the term "No-Mind" as often as Osho, he also speaks about the importance of realizing that one is not one's body or mind. In the Isha Kriya practice, he emphasizes that the phrase "I am not the body, I am not the mind" is not a philosophy or an ideology, but a reminder for deeper awareness and distancing from identification with the body and mind.
Both interpretations seek to help people go beyond the limitations of rational thought and achieve a deeper level of awareness and understanding.
No Mind
No Mind (or Mushin no shin in Japanese Zen philosophy) refers to a state of mind free of thoughts and emotions. This state is open to everything, not fixated on any one idea or emotion, and is often associated with meditation and spiritual practices. It involves letting go of the ego and achieving inner silence and freedom.
Do Not Mind
Do not mind is used in everyday English to express indifference or lack of preference. For example, when someone says "I don't mind", it means that they do not have a strong opinion about the proposed choice and are willing to accept any decision. This expression is used to politely agree or to indicate the absence of objections
In Russian "No Mind"
No Mind refers to a state of mind free from the constant flow of thoughts and emotions. It is a state in which a person is not attached to thoughts and is able to perceive reality without bias and judgment. It is associated with meditation and spiritual practices where the emphasis is on achieving inner silence and freedom.
"Letting Go"
Letting go usually means releasing emotional or mental attachments. It can be associated with a decision to stop worrying about something or letting go of past hurts or experiences. In the context of psychological well-being, "letting go" can mean to stop controlling or dwelling on something that causes stress or anxiety.
So, although "let go" and "No Mind" both relate to the idea of releasing mental and emotional restrictions,
Possible Serbian equivalents:
"Pustiti": This word translates as "let go" and can be used in the context of letting go of thoughts or emotions.
"Osloboditi": Means "to release" and can be used to describe the process of releasing mental or emotional attachments.
Possible German equivalents:
"Gedankenlosigkeit": This word translates as "no thought" and can be used to describe a state in which a person is free from the constant flow of thoughts.
"Leerer Geist": This word translates as "empty mind" and can be used to describe a state of mind that is free from mental constraints and open to the direct perception of reality.
"Gelassenheit": This word means "calmness" or "equanimity" and can describe a state of inner peace and lack of attachment to thoughts and emotions.
Chinese equivalents:
无心 (Wúxīn): This expression literally translates as "mindless" or "without thought." It describes a state in which a person is not attached to thoughts and can act spontaneously and naturally.
无为(Wúwéi): This term, often used in Taoism, translates as "non-action" or "effortless action." It describes a state in which actions occur naturally, without coercion or deliberate intervention.
空 (Kōng): This word means "emptiness" and is related to the concept of shunyata in Buddhism, which refers to the absence of fixed concepts and attachments.
These terms and concepts in Chinese culture are associated with the idea of achieving inner silence and liberation from mental restrictions, which echoes the concept of "No Mind".
Possible equivalents in French:
"Esprit vide": This expression translates as "empty mind" and can be used to describe a state of consciousness free from the constant flow of thoughts.
"Absence de pensée": This translates as "absence of thought" and can be used to describe a state in which a person is freed from mental restrictions.
"Sérénité": This word means "calm" or "serenity" and can describe a state of inner peace and lack of attachment to thoughts and emotions.
Nishihira Tadashi discusses the concept of “throwing your mind into your body” in his book *The Philosophy of No-Mind: The Experience of No-Self*. In this work, he explores the deeply experiential philosophy of no-mind (*mushin*), which involves losing oneself in present reality and becoming one with it. This state is described as allowing one to be at one’s best and is deeply rooted in Japanese spirituality.
The process of “throwing your mind into your body” is part of achieving a state in which one stops nowhere, allowing oneself to be everywhere. It involves detaching oneself from interpersonal exchange, thereby allowing genuine care and attention to emerge. This approach reflects the dynamic complexity in the philosophy of no-mind, balancing aspects such as denial and affirmation of the self, stillness and activity, and its connection to social ethics and religious transcendence.
Viktor Fersht
September 2024