From the beginning of the year to the end, day and night, morning and evening, in action and repose, in speech and in silence, the warrior must keep death constantly before him and have ever in mind that the one death [which he has to give] should not be suffered in vain. In other words [he must have perfect control over his own death] just as if he were holding an intemperate steed in rein. Only he who truly keeps death in mind this way can understand what is meant by [Yamaga Soko's maxim of] 'preparedness.'

What I mean by the 'pursuit of learning' is not the ability to read classical texts and study ancient history, but to be fully acquainted with conditions all o…

Nowadays everyone lives selfishly and seeks only the leisure in which to indulge his own desires. They look on all the beauties of nature-the rivers and mounta…

In relations with others, one should express resentment and anger openly and straightforwardly. If one cannot express them openly and straightforwardly, the on…

Siwardus, consul rigidissimus, pro fluuio uentris ductus mortem sensit imminere. Dixitque, 'Quantus pudor me tot in bellis mori non potuisse, et uaccarum morti…

It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrio…

A warrior thinks of death when things become unclear. The idea of death is the only thing that tempers our spirit.