It is bad when one thing becomes two. One should not look for anything else in the way of the samurai. It is the same for anything else that is called a way. If one understands things in this manner, he should be able to hear about all ways and be more and more in accord with his own
If one were to say in a word what the condition of being a samurai is, its basis lies first in seriously devoting ones body and soul to his master. Not to forget ones master is the most fundamental thing for a retainer
Among he maxims of Lord Naoshiges wall here was this one. “Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.” Master Ittei commented, “Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.”
In the words of the ancients, one should make his decisions within the space of seven breaths. It is a matter of being determined and having the spirit to break right through to the other side.
When one has made the decision to kill a person, even if it would be very difficult to succeed by advancing straight ahead, it would not do to think about it in a long around about way. The way of the samurai is one of immediacy, and it is best to dash in headlong.
Our bodies are given life from the mist of nothingness. Existing where there is nothing is the meaning of the phrase, “Form is emptiness.” That all things are provided for by nothingness is the meaning of he phrase. “Emptiness is form.” One should not think that these are two separate things.
There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. By doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to all things.
It is said that what is called “the spirit of an age” is something to which one cannot return. That the spirit gradually dissipates is due to the worlds coming end. For this reason although one would like to change today world back to the spirit of 100 years ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation.
In kamigata area they have a sort of tiered lunch box they use for a single day when flower viewing. Upon returning, they throw them away, trampling them underfoot. The end is important in all things
see there are sayings in this world that even I cannot understand