武士道
The way is in training. Train more than you sleep.
散る桜
残る桜も
散る桜
Falling blossoms, remaining blossoms,
all will fall.
Ryōkan, 1758 – 1831
Seven virtues, four pillars.
Righteousness
Justice is the bone that gives firmness and stature. Without bones the head cannot rest on the spine, nor hands move, nor feet stand.
Courage
Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is not blind, but intelligent and strong.
Integrity
When a samurai has said he will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop him from completing what he has said he will do.
Respect
True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. They are courteous even to enemies.
Neo-Samurai
The warrior's path is not about violence. It is about mastery of self. Every breath deliberate, every action purposeful. The armor is not protection from the world. It is discipline made visible.
The moon does not think
to be reflected, nor does
the water think to reflect it.
Takuan Sōhō
Ichigo Ichie
One time, one meeting. Every encounter is unique and will never recur. Treasure it.