Yamamoto Tsunetomo Quotes

Be to, nepamiršk, ką iš­gir­do šven­ti­kas Rio­dza­nas lan­ky­da­ma­sis Kamiga­tos sri­ty­je: jei­gu žmo­gus ra­šo laiš­ką, tai te­gul ra­šo taip, kad ne­bū­tų gė­da jį pa­ka­bin­ti ant sie­nos.

If by setting one’s heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in the Way.

"lchiyuken was a low class servant in the kitchen of Lord Takanobu. Because of some grudge he had over a matter of wrestling, he cut down seven or eight men and was hence ordered to commit suicide. But when Lord Takanobu heard of this he pardoned the man and said, "In these strife-torn times of our country, brave men are important. This man would seem to be a man of bravery."

Consequently, at the time of the action around the Uji River, Lord Takanobu took Ichiyuken along, and the latter earned unrivaled fame, advancing deep into the lead and plundering the enemy every time .

At the battle of Takagi, Ichiyuken went so far into the enemy lines that Lord Takanobu felt regret and called him back. Since the vanguard had been unable to advance, only by quickly dashing out was he able to grab Ichiyuken by the sleeve of his armor. At that time Ichiyuken's head had suffered many wounds, but he had stopped them up with preen leaves which he bound with a thin towel."

The Way of the Samurai is found in death.

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. But 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 everything.

La motivación, más bien, ha de ser el apoyo al clan desde el esfuerzo individual.

[...] if one seeks to resolve a problem, let it sit for a while, take time to think about the “Four Oaths” and subdue any self-centered thoughts, and then you will be able to proceed without faltering.

If one is secure at the foundation, he will not be pained by departure from minor details or affairs that are contrary to expectation.

There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. There will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. Live being true to the single purpose of the moment.

For a samurai, a simple word is important no matter where he may be. By just one single word martial valor can be made apparent. In peaceful times words show one's bravery. In troubled times, too, one knows that by a single word his strength or cowardice can be seen. This single word is the flower of one's heart. It is not something said simply with one's mouth. A warrior should not say something fainthearted even casually. He should set his mind to this beforehand. Even in trifling matters the depths of one's heart can be seen.

Tampoco alberga pensamientos de orgullo, sino que se dispone a recorrer el camino hasta el final con humildad. Se dice que el maestro Yagyu una vez constató: «Solo sé cómo se me derrota a mí, no a los demás». En la vida hay que progresar a diario, ser hoy más hábil que ayer y menos que mañana. El camino nunca termina.

Feeling deeply the difference between oneself and others, bearing ill will, and falling out with people — these things come from a heart that lacks compassion. If one wraps up everything with a heart of compasion, there will be no coming into conflict with people.

If you are unaware that the world is teeming with ineptitude from the beginning, you will develop a bitter countenance, and in turn others will eschew you.

The condition of a person is revealed by his dreams. It would be good to make companions of your dreams and to put forth effort.

In the eyes of mercy, no one should have hateful thoughts. Feel pity for the man who is even more at fault. The area and size of mercy is limitless.