The Gaze of a Master Swordsman

There are many notions about exactly where to look while in a kendo match. Some say look at the eyes others say stare or fix your gaze on other parts of the body, or the whole body of an opponent. Myamoto Mushashi the legendary swordsman is known to advocate gazing at no where in particular but to “see naturally” this follows the precept of fudoshin or not stopping the mind on any particular thought. I have practiced gazing both ways and Musashi is of course correct. Seeing naturally, is easier said than done because it requires not only sight vision but a mind that perceives and interprets any movement, or what that movement indicates, instantly! In football it is similar to the quarterback throwing a ball to a player knowing, interpreting where that player will be, the distance and speed of how to throw that ball into the hands of a player, instantly in the mind! (the same can be said for the player running and catching the ball). It may take a long time to discover this type of seeing, yet when I am able to to see naturally, I am almost always successful in defeating my opponent. See naturally.