This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai: 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. his whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling.

By inconsistency and frivolity we stray from the Way and show ourselves to be beginners. In this we do much harm.

In the Kamigata area, they have a sort of tiered lunchbox they use for a single day when flower viewing. Upon returning, they throw them away, trampling them underfoot. The end is important in all things.

When one is writing a letter, he should think that the recipient will make it into a hanging scroll.

It is difficult for a fool's habits to change to selflessness.

Not to borrow the strength of another, nor to rely on one's own strength; to cut off past and future thoughts, and not to live within the everyday mind... then the Great Way is right before your eyes.

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