"A real man... plunges recklessly toward an irrational death."

**LHX** · 07-25-2006, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Hagakure

A certain person was brought to shame because he did not take revenge. The way of revenge lies in simply forcing one's way into a place and being cut down. There is no shame in this. By thinking that you must complete the job you will run out of time. By considering things like how many men the enemy has, time piles up; in the end you will give up. No matter if the enemy has thousands of men, there is fulfillment in simply standing them off and being determined to cut them all down, starting from one end. You will finish the greater part of it...

Although all things are not to be judged in this manner, I mention it in the investigation of the Way of the Samurai. When the time comes, there is no moment for reasoning. And if you have not done your inquiring beforehand , there is most often shame. Reading books and listening to people's talk are for the purpose of prior resolution.

Above all, the Way of the Samurai should be in being aware that you do not know what is going to happen next, and in querying every item day and night. Victory and defeat are matters of the temporary force of circumstances. The way of avoiding shame is different. It is simply in death.

Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate. Neither wisdom nor technique has a place in this. A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this, you will awaken from your dreams.

the jewels keep on coming

**tonygusto** · 07-25-2006, 06:27 PM

its on my dresser, good excerpt

**Os3y3ris** · 07-25-2006, 10:14 PM

That is amazing.

**Sicka than aidZ** · 07-26-2006, 01:52 AM

man he's goin off huh? Cuz your gonna die no matter what. And knowing them samurai's your gonna die quick. I dont see what the fuck all the hubub's about. I mean, if people wanna throw their version of a fairytale back and forth go ahead but dont tell me what to expect when I die. Anyways im done with that shit, these japanese cats and zen motherfuckaz know whats up, kinda. Some of em do

**Mumm Ra** · 07-26-2006, 07:06 PM

them samurai got some balls I reckon

**UNCLE RUCKUS** · 07-26-2006, 07:29 PM

my favourite shit from the Hagakure is the meditation on inevitable death; really mentally preparing yourself for being ripped apart by lions or a razorblade slicing your eyeball the fuck open is giving you the edge over the situation...