Returning to the aspect

of 'mind stopping' it is obvious that in the vast majority of cases we are struck merely because the blow was not seen in time, and this because our mind was held at another point. The idea of non-stopping of the mind is expressed in the Zanshin or 'lingering of the heart' in that awareness should be maintained even after cutting and the mind is not stopped at that point.

Providing the opponent is practising seriously it is possible either to draw him forward to attack, or to make it very difficult merely by our own spiritual condition. If we take a positive mind and press our spirit forward the opponent will reciprocate and a pressing feeling arises which feels like two opposing magnetic poles. If the opponents are both very strong willed, it may even appear that the tips of the Shinai or swords are clamped together. If one side suddenly draws his spirit inwards the opponent is forced to attack without his own volition and although he may not be aware of this he will be completely under the control of his opponent. This is a little difficult for the average Westerner to grasp but is easily demonstrated by causing a student with closed eyes to sway forward or backward at will merely by suggestion.