The Way of The Samurai

This is the cover of a book called Hagakure.

It is a transcript of works written 350 years ago by a Samurai.  Or rather, the retainer of a Samurai.  A rare collection of anecdotes and reflections, some are downright confusing, others brilliantly pierce our modern existence.  It is about following The Way, an undefinable way of living that is in keeping with principles of Samurai existence.  I wont try to go into it.  Buy yourself a copy, impress your friends.

Here is one for today.  I might add these in from time to time.

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It is not good to settle into a set of opinions.  It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that.  At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the basics, then practicing so that they may come to fruition is something that will never stop for your whole lifetime.  Do not rely of following the degree of understanding that you have discovered, but simply think, "This is not enough."

One should search throughout his whole life how best to follow The Way.  And he should study, setting his mind to work without putting things off.  Within this is The Way

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Good old Yamamoto Tsunetomo, I think it's cool.