I watched a movie named “the last samurai” today: almost after some paper’s deadline. Actually I have watched it when I graduated from my high school. I was impressed by their fearless spirit and extremely focusing.
The story happened at the end of the 19th century, during the Southwest War and the Meiji Restoration of Japan. A drunken hero who participated in the American Civil War was invited by Japanese Reformers to train the new recruits of the Shogunate（幕府）Army. However, he was captured by the anti-Shogunate（倒幕派）to a small village in a battle. He was influenced by their really Bushido spirit and become a warrior of old and new ways(今古有神奉志士，就是融汇古今的武士).
There are many places worth roasting. For instance, samurais have a tradition of using firearms. But this movie shows they are just using samurai swords and bows. So many examples like this, but they don’t hinder this masterpiece to become one of my favorite movies.
I love Japanese anime so much and I’m also interested in Japanese traditional culture (in spite of I only know about it in some films). I’m yearning for the life with peace and warm. People in that time can focus on something in a long period, enjoy the process of doing only one thing to the extreme. That maybe is called Craftsmanship(工匠精神). Aside from the historical factors of Japan at that time, this spirit is also worth learning.
The film section that I love the best is in the village, Algren saw the villagers were doing their own things with their heart and soul as if there was a discipline that cannot be seen. When Algren was learning how to battle with Samurai sword but always beaten by Ujio. Then he was told by Higen that he had “too many minds”. That means Algren shouldn’t think too much except defeating his enemy.
I think the essence of Craftsmanship spirit is “no mind”, means without too many distracting thoughts and just focus on the moment now.
I’m very lacking in this spirit. I was always disturbed by many things. Maybe that is the reason why I cannot do anything better. Although there is a huge contrast between that time and the times I am in now and the requirements for people are getting higher, it cannot become the reason of inattention. I should learn how to abandon distracting thoughts and focus on one thing. For me, I think the main source of disturbing is from the Internet. Maybe I should close my QQ and WeChat when I’m doing something that needs “no mind”.
I talked about some small things above. But what if some big things. I was always hearing something interesting and turning to explore that thing. Then I’ll do nothing at the end. That is called “ to put away the cup after taking a tiny sip”(浅尝辄止). The reason for this phenomenon is having too many minds. I always want to grasp anything but it is not realistic because human has limited energy.
I’m sure I have to throw away so many minds and focus on something I think is the most worthy.