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Annals of the Sword Taia

Takuan Soho

Originally this character was read with the meaning "lid". For example, when a lid is put on a tier of boxes, although we do not know for sure what has been put inside, if we use our imaginations we will hit the mark six or seven times out of ten. Here also I do not know for sure, but figure tentatively that it must be so. Actually, this is a written for we use even about things we do know for sure. We do this to humble ourselves and so as not to seem to be speaking in a knowing manner. Martial artist is as the character indicates. Not to fight for gain or loss, not to be concerned with strength or weakness means not vying for victory or worrying about defeat, and not being concerned with the functions of strength or weakness. more...