noun
clear and serene mind; calm and unclouded spirit
A yojijukugo describing a state of mind that is perfectly clear, calm, and free from distracting thoughts, like a polished mirror and still water. Often used in literary or philosophical contexts.
彼の心は明鏡止水の境地に達していた。
His mind had reached a state of serene clarity.
座禅を組むことで、明鏡止水の心を養う。
Through zazen, one cultivates a mind like a polished mirror and still water.