The person who practices an art is an artist, not a samurai, and one should have the intention of being called a samurai.

The saying 'the arts aid the body' is for samurai of other regions. For samurai of the Nabeshima clan the arts bring ruin to the body.

A person who is discreet in speaking will be useful during the good times and will avoid punishment during the bad.

One should be wary of talking on end about such subjects as learning, morality or folklore in front of elders or people of rank. It is disagreeable to listen to.

It is better to have some unhappiness while one is still young, for if a person does not experience some bitterness, his disposition will not settle down.

It is better not to become acquainted with men about whom you have formerly had doubts. No matter what you do, they will be people by whom you will be tripped up or taken in.

Singlemindedness is all-powerful.