Learning Mindfulness from Japanese Culture

～Session 2: Shugendo～

Part 1

We were honored to welcome Dr. Yasuhiro Mochizuki, a researcher at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science.
In addition to his research, Dr. Mochizuki is also deeply devoted to studying the ancient practices of Haguro-style Shugendo and holds the rank of “Go-do-i” (fifth level guide).
This time, Dr. Mochizuki delivered a fascinating lecture from the perspective of neuroscience!

He explained the relationship between mindfulness meditation and the Shugendo program in an easy-to-understand manner.

He described it as follows:
“Just like how we import foreign vegetables (mindfulness) and consume them, we can also practice local sustainability by using native vegetables (Shugendo).”

Both practices can be seamlessly integrated into the limited time available in daily life for activities and training.

“The Scientific Basis of Mindfulness Benefits”

Dr. Mochizuki presented MRI images illustrating brain activity in “experienced meditators.”
The differences in activity regions within the brain were visually evident!

He explained that this involves:

Awareness emerging through de-identification
Brain regions associated with the transformation of self-awareness
And finally, the coordination of brain regions that lead to the state of mindfulness, defined as “intentionally and objectively paying attention to the present moment.”

(Admittedly, the lecture from this professional perspective was quite challenging to follow! Haha!)

Part 2

Finally, we welcomed Shugendo practitioner Mr. Satoshi Hasegawa.
The workshop began with the resonant sound of the horagai (conch shell), a call to dispel negative energies.

The focus was on simple methods to “harmonize the mind and body” that can be practiced in daily life without retreating into the mountains!

“Bone Exercises”

In the past, stretching often meant enduring pain to extend your muscles forcefully. However, in Shugendo, the emphasis is on “moving the bones and joints” while savoring the sensation of comfort. This mindful approach to exercise is a cornerstone of the practice.

The participants enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, moving their bodies freely and energetically!

The Well-Known “Himo-tore” Method

In the well-known Himo-tore training, a string is wrapped around the body, and by making gentle movements, the body’s balance is adjusted. This practice helps alleviate stiffness, pain, and fatigue.

Despite using just a single string, participants were amazed as they experienced the effects firsthand.

“Seeing Yourself Objectively”

Participants were guided to adopt a perspective as if observing from afar, akin to a feeling of out-of-body awareness, cultivating a refreshing sense of clarity, referred to as sukān (a refreshing mind).

They lifted their heads with a relaxed “pokān,” followed by a soothing “haaah” as a sense of relief extended from the nape of their neck to their shoulders.

Focusing intently, they observed the sensation of their breath entering the tanden (the energy center below the navel), bringing a profound sense of peace and stability.

It was difficult to put into words… but a variety of breathing techniques were introduced during the lecture.

One particularly notable breath, a “haah” that wasn’t a sigh, brought immense satisfaction and a deep sense of well-being!

Summary

Become a researcher of your own mind and body, and carefully observe yourself in detail.

By doing so, you can become aware of physical discomfort or imbalances that may have been overlooked until now.
This experience inspired me to consciously pay attention to everyday actions like “standing,” “sitting,” and “walking” without overexerting myself.
When the body adopts a natural state, the mind seems likely to follow suit and achieve a sense of ease as well.

The workshop began and concluded with the resonant sound of the horagai (conch shell).

The second session of the “Shugendo Series” was successfully completed.
A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, the Crossbe staff for their support with infection control measures, and of course, to Mr. Hasegawa and Dr. Mochizuki for their valuable contributions.