Life is a Journey, Why Not Share it?

Hagakure, also called “The Book of the Samurai” is an amazing insight into the Bushido mindset.

It was written in the 1700′s by a Samurai by the name of Yamamoto Tsunetomo, and serves as an absolute wealth of thoughtful knowledge to this day.

It was not originally a book, but oral teaching passed down from master to apprentice. That being said, much of it has been lost. The book as it exists today is more like a collection of quotations and parables, but it is still an absolutely fascinating read, and well worth the time.

I will share with you the following passage from Hagakure…

Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige’s wall, there was this one: 

“Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.” Master Ittei commented, “Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.” Among one’s affairs there should not be more than two or three matters of what one could call great concern. If these are deliberated upon during normal times, they can be understood. Thinking about things previously and then handling them lightly when the time comes is what this is all about. To face an event anew and solve it lightly is difficult if you are not resolved beforehand, and there will always be uncertainty in hitting your mark. However, if the foundation is laid previously, you can think of the saying, “Matters of great concern should be treated lightly,” as your basis for action.