Mental noise overwhelms us. We spend the day imagining what is to come, what could go wrong, how others judge us, whether we are making the right decision. The uncertainty is no longer an exception: it is the everyday climate of our daily life. And in the midst of that scenario, the mind speeds up, tightens, and clings to certainties that do not exist. How can we stay calm when nothing seems stable? Where should we act when the future offers no guarantees?
The answer lies in Japanese philosophy, and particularly in the samurai, who, far from being relics of the past, present themselves as a strikingly contemporary response. Keiichi Toyoda, author of Samurai Mindset, gives this interview to Cuerpomente to remind readers of the lessons from the ancient Japanese warriors. For they had the secret to quieting the mind in the midst of chaos, and only from that peace can we act.
-A question I think many readers will ask as they approach the book is, what can the samurai teach us to help us live in a world so different from theirs?
We live in an era without clear answers, where unpredictability and uncertainty are part of daily life. Many professionals are expected to deliver results while bearing stress and anxiety. Precisely for that reason I turned to the samurai mindset. These warriors, who lived hundreds of years ago, learned to quieten the mind and face fear and danger in extreme situations. I believe the Zero Mind they pursued — what in Japanese we call mushin — offers timeless wisdom profoundly relevant to our modern world.
-How do we confront uncertainty in a world that seems to be in constant flux?
In today’s world, often described as one with “no right answers” and with “unpredictable results,” many people feel lost when choosing and moving forward. This is precisely where mushin becomes powerful. Rather than getting trapped by concerns about outcomes or the judgments of others, we return to the present, face reality as it is, and take a step forward from what is possible now. Cultivating this way of being in the world allows us to find our path even within a mindset of uncertainty.
-The central theme of your book is mushin. What does it consist of?
Mushin, or the Zero Mind, is a mental state in which you are free of attachment and fully engaged with what lies before you. At first glance it may seem similar to mindfulness, but it goes a step further. It is not merely about quietening the mind: it involves letting go of outcomes and judgments, and directing all your presence to what is happening right now. If mindfulness is a practice that brings clarity and calm, mushin is the way of acting from that calm. Especially in times of uncertainty, it becomes the basis for taking thoughtful and flexible action without being blocked by fear or doubt.
-What role does mindfulness play in mushin and how can we cultivate it?
Mushin is a way of relating to the present moment free from attachment. To reach that state, mindfulness acts as the essential foundation. Through practices such as conscious breathing and observing your inner state, you begin to quieten the mind and prepare for Mushin. I see mindfulness as the bedrock that supports action from a place of calm and clarity. Even simply paying attention to your breath or your daily movements, you can gradually start to cultivate this capacity.
-Why is self-knowledge important for mushin?
Mushin is a state of being free from attachment and fully focused on the present. But you cannot reach that state without first recognising what your mind clings to. The fear of failure, the habit of worrying about what others think: these patterns often lie beneath the surface. Becoming aware of them is the first step. As I explain in the book, it isn’t that “your personality makes it impossible.” In many cases, it is simply a matter of mindset. That is why developing self-awareness — calmly observing yourself and honestly facing your inner state — is essential to living with mushin.
-What are the most limiting beliefs we can overcome with mushin?
If you feel overwhelmed by stress or fear, don’t rush to change something. First, simply observe: “This is how I feel right now.” Then take a moment to breathe deeply, pause, and regain a sense of calm. Mushin is born from that inner quiet. Even if the external situation does not change immediately, your way of relating to it begins to transform. And from that place of quiet, you can ask yourself: “How do I choose to face this now?” At that moment, mushin becomes a powerful ally.
-In your view, is there a secret to happiness?
For me, happiness does not come from achieving more or from obtaining something from the outside world. It starts with a sense of inner stillness. In Japan there is an expression, taru wo shiru, meaning “knowing sufficiency”. It refers to a mindset that does not resist what cannot be changed, that does not try to control everything, and instead shifts the focus to what is already held and valued. This ability to recognise and appreciate what is already present — knowing sufficiency — is what I consider the true secret of happiness.
