The possible meanings for Heian as presented by Rob Redmond in his book “Kata the Folk Dances of Shotokan” are easy, basic, calm and peaceful. Although there are many speculations as to what meaning should be applied, each meaning is appropriate. The Heian Katas build the foundation or the basics. It is believed to have been made by Master Anko Itosu to prepare students for the
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| Pinan Kata created by Master Anko Itosu |
more complex Katas so therefore, they are easier compared to what are considered as advance Katas. Master Itosu originally called it Pinan which is the Chinese pronunciation of its Kanji or characters. It means “safe” or “free from harm.” As a student of Master Itosu, Master Gichin Funakoshi may have had the same principle in mind when he renamed the Katas to Heian. Master Funakoshi has specified Heian to mean “Peaceful mind.” These five forms contain fundamental self defense techniques which as he has mentioned in his book Karate-do Kyohan that “having mastered these five forms, one can be confident that he can defend himself competently in most situations”.
A lot of people question where Master Funakoshi got the word “mind” and added it to peaceful because there is no Kanji for mind in the Kata's name. For one thing Peaceful mind does make more sense than just “peaceful” when you want to convey confidence in self defense. It may also be appropriate to interpret it as having "peace of mind". Also, to effectively use Heian techniques in a self defense situation will require a strong but calm and clear state of mind.
In the tournament your mind is in your one minute Kata performance or in the three minute Kumite bout and not anywhere else. You do not think about how you lost or the injury you got from the previous tournament or even the point he just got seconds ago because those are in the past. You do not worry about losing, getting hurt or even getting excited thinking you can easily win, because those are in the future. This kind of mind causes anxiety, stress, fear, complacency and it hinders proper action. The mind should be exactly where you are which is in the fight. I once joined a minor competition in conclusion to a Karate camp in the U.S. it was a traditional tournament so my
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| Heian Nidan |
opponent and I performed at the same time, side by side. After shouting the Kata which was Tekki Shodan I remembered glancing at my opponent who was much older than me; I moved and started at the wrong side. I realized my mistake and very quickly decided to continue and did not disrupt the flow of my Kata. I ended facing the opposite side. I lost and I was embarrassed. My mind was seconds ahead from the present moment and got so distracted. I learned from my mistake.
In our lives our present takes on different forms. Our present is our current circumstance. When the lock downs because of the pandemic started I experienced anxiety because I was thinking about how long before everything gets back to the real normal, I could not accept the "new normal", I was also thinking about what was going to happen to my kids (uncertain future). I was also missing friends, dojo training and my normal routine (fixated in the past). We have to have acceptance of our current circumstance and be able to act on the things that we can control. I accepted the "Pandemic life" and no longer resisted. I exercised and trained Karate on-line and by myself. I was grateful for the positive things like having more time for family, being able to fix the house, there was no traffic and I connected to others who were experiencing depression due to the pandemic. So I learned that when we accept our present circumstances we will not miss out on the good things that come our way and the good things that we can provide others even at a very difficult time of our life, we will be thankful and when we are thankful we are happy.
Our present is also in the form of who or what we are and where we are right now. I used to think that someday when I become rich I will be able to help the poor. Then I learned from church that we can serve where we are right now. So now I have a better understanding of this principle of being in the "now". Whatever our roles are right now we have to "endeavor"; be the best in that role as we can be. For the religious serve Him and serve others, if not then serve humanity. As a student serve there, as a father serve there; as a lawyer, doctor or teacher, as a Sensei, as an employee or an employer, live and serve where you are right now. We do not hold the missed opportunities in the past and do not wait for what we can do in the future, because if we do our best in our present
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| Knee kick from Heian Yondan |
ordinary life. the small things make a huge difference. We will also grow our relationships which is also a part of our now. Because having developed awareness, we will not only be able to recognize dangers and intuitively detect threats; we will also be able to be humble and compassionate. We will be able to understand the needs of others and recognize opportunities. A practical example is when we listen to people with empathy. You should be in the moment never preparing for what you are going to say or let your mind wonder off, not being biased in your opinion or not passing judgement right away. One lets go of pride and tries to put himself in the other's shoes. Then we can truly have an understanding. Lastly, our present is today. We can waste it or live it. Just like a duel to the death there are no second chances. There might be a tomorrow but today is gone forever and it can never be brought back. If today is so bad or full of challenges, we do not have to lose. Always end today with a win.
The Sensei initiates the principle of peaceful mind (Heian) to beginners. On a beginner's very first day he learns mokuso or seated meditation. Mokuso is how the student learns to put his mind to the here and now; to clear one's mind for training. He sets aside his problems from work or any distractions from outside the dojo. He sets aside any expectations or worries about training. The mind should be in the moment which is Karate practice. Then the student is taught a Heian/Pinan Kata. He first learns the technical skill (Kata sequence and details of techniques), then the effective use of the technique for self defense (Bunkai) and finally what most of us instructors neglect is to teach the Kata as moving meditation. We should allow the student some time to practice his Kata without thinking about whether his stance has correct weight distribution or without him constantly checking his form in the mirrors. But instead let him just feel every movement he is making, his mind is in the doing of the Kata. Explain and guide the student's mind to handle stress and pressure. Make the beginner perform alone in front of the whole class. This will prepare his mind before taking his kyu exam or joining a tournament. By developing "Peaceful mind" it will enable us to not only cope but to thrive in life.
"You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." -Master Oogway Kungfu Panda
