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.

An affected laugh shows lack of self-respect in a man and lewdness in a woman. It is carelessness to go about with one's hands inside the slits in the sides of his hakama.

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

Even if one's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should be able to do one more action with certainty.

Looking comparatively at the good things, you will see that they are not excluded from wisdom, humanity and bravery.

What is called generosity is really compassion. In the Shin'ei it is written "Seen from the eye of compassion, there is noone to be disliked. One who has sinned is to be pitied all the more." There is no limit to the breadth and depth of ones heart. There is room enough for all. That we still worship the sages of the three ancient kingdoms is because their compassion reaches us yet today.

There are few people who will make mistakes with fire after having once been burned.