Jan
28
2010
I always seem to turn to a particular book for comfort in times of disappointment, awakening, or triumph. I find that there is wisdom and solace to be had in the pages of the Hagakure, a book I read when I was 14. I have owned several dozen copies of this book over the years both in hardback and paperback and I never seem to be able to hang on to them. The text is simple and describes the substance of the way of the Samurai in an era before they were outlawed.
I am picking up another copy tonight from Borders here in Saint Louis and I thought I would share some of the quotes I’ve found most enlightening over the years. I hope you glean as much from them as I have.
In the words of the ancients,
one should make his decision within the space of seven breaths.
It is a matter of being determined and having the spirit
to break through to the other side.
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Our bodies are given life from the midst 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 the
phrase,
“Emptiness is form.”
One should not think that these are two separate things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige’s wall, there was this one:
“Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.”
Master Ittei commented,
“Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the Kamigata area, they have a sort of tiered lunchbox
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.
