Enzan No Metsuke has a dual meaning to those of the Budo way of life. The first is that of a combative approach to interaction with an opponent, and the second, just like many of the conceptual teachings of Budo, a practical application for life itself. Enzan No Metsuke can be interpreted as a look into the distance of a far mountain. A fixed gaze that not only focuses on what is directly in front of us, but beyond. Encompassing the entire scope of the current and future circumstances that are to come in result of one’s current actions.
As applied to the art of Japanese Swordsmanship, Enzan No Metsuke is the endless gaze through the windows of the adversary’s spirit. Looking deep into the opponent’s eyes reading not only his physical motions, but his thoughts as well. It is through this procedure, once mastered, one will have the capability of predicting the outcome of a match, by possessing the ability to interpret the thoughts of his opponent, although at times contrary to what is displayed by the opponent’s physical demeanor. The opponent may clearly appear to be physically capable, but may posses a weak spirit. This may also be reversed, when perhaps one may encounter a much more challenging match than that of the physically threatening posture. In essence, Enzan No Metsuke teaches the Budo practitioner that it is what lies deep within the opponent’s mind and spirit that truly counts, and not necessarily what is portrayed on the surface.
As Enzan No Metsuke is applied to swordsmanship, the teachings of Budo have shown its pupils the way of grasping this concept and applying it to their lives. Enzan No Metsuke when applied to daily life, according to the teachings of Budo, refers to the ability to look beyond the present and into the future, where our current actions will lead to the outcome of our future state. Although at times the situation may superficially appear to be more appealing in the present, one must always consider the positive and negative consequences deriving from the present that will in turn affect the future yet to come.
Upon further analysis, for the Budo practitioner, Enzan No Metsuke not only plays a vital role in determining the final outcome of a life and death situation that is actual physical combat, but most importantly of all- life. For living a long and fruitful life through Budo is the greatest victory of all, and should not be hindered by avoidable negative situations that one may have encountered on their voyage through life due to following the attractive rather that choosing the logical.