If one is but secure at the foundation, he will not be pained by departure from minor details or affairs that are contrary to expectation. But in the end, the details of a matter are important. The right and wrong of one's way of doing things are found in trivial matters.

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.

If you are slain in battle, you should be resolved to have your corpse facing the enemy.

Bushido is realised in the presence of death. In the case of having to choose between life and death you should choose death. There is no other reasoning.

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

By being impatient, matters are damaged and great works cannot be done

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.