Mu Jing Xin Ji: See it with Your Eyes; Feel it with Your Heart

The adage “Mu Jing Xin Ji (目睛心及),” which means “See it with your eyes and feel it with your heart,” is an expression often used in Chinese art and calligraphy. In my view, this idea can certainly be applied to martial arts.

The literal English translation of “Xin” (心) is “Heart,” which in Western medical science is the powerful muscular organ in the body that pumps blood. To better grasp the meaning of the above adage, it is important to understand the concept of “Xin” in the Chinese philosophical thoughts of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, that have permeated Chinese culture for hundreds of years and influenced the teaching of Qi Gong and the Internal martial arts of Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang, Liuhe Bafa, and other styles. The concept of Xin in ancient Chinese tradition is not just the physical heart but the organ of thought, temperament, contemplation, feelings, and emotions. This is referred to as “Heart-Mind.”

Mu Jing Xin Ji expounds on the importance of unity between the outer—that is, the eyes, and the inner—the heart-mind. The performance of Chinese martial arts routines and skills contains elements of individual artistic expression. This artistic expression, in martial arts, should display a fighting spirit with a calm demeanor.

The adage Yan You Du (眼有毒), meaning “Your Eyes Must Have a Poisonous Look,” will further your understanding of the interplay between the eyes and the heart-mind. In martial arts, displaying a so-called poisonous look is to have the attitude of an angry tiger: Fierce like a raging torrent, imposing like a tall mountain, but without reflecting it in scowling facial gestures.

Xin Bu Dong (心不動), “The Heart-Mind Remains Unmoved,” is another saying that conveys unwavering determination, attentive resolve, and piercing focus while remaining internally unmoved. Your gaze should project an indomitable fighting spirit and your heart should be like the waters of a calm lake. This is what is called Shou Jing Du (守靜篤) – Maintaining Steadfast Stillness.

Steadfast stillness is not lifeless; rather it contains vigor and vitality. Attaining it requires reflection, perseverance, and commitment. Mu Jing Xin Ji, see it with your eyes and feel it with your heart, just like in painting and calligraphy, infuses life into your martial arts and renders your practice purposeful and enjoyable.