The samurai can become lost in the concept of their sword and the idea of an opponent. They devote themselves to the craft of blocking and swinging, with the ultimate goal of protecting themselves and defeating their foe. If one focuses deeply on the meticulous practices of the samurai school, they can attain a level of enlightenment that expands their consciousness and allows them to see the process from various perspectives.
It is important to emphasize that any expansion of consciousness must be grounded in compassion and must not cause harm to others, particularly over trivial matters. As a samurai, it is essential to cultivate equanimity and a dedication to justice, while simultaneously avoiding the dangers of ego and desire. Only by doing so can one genuinely embody the values of the samurai and uphold their code of honor.
It is crucial to recognize that pride, jealousy, and the desire for land, property, and position are among the worst things to fight for. As human beings, we must be prepared to defend ourselves and protect our loved ones from harm, such as in the case of a wild animal threatening our children. However, we must approach such situations with compassion and strive to minimize harm to all parties involved. In some cases, we may have to eliminate the threat, as is common in nature, but we must be aware that our actions can have consequences beyond the immediate situation. If we take a life, there may be offspring left hungry and scared. Therefore, we must approach any conflict with careful consideration and a commitment to minimizing harm.
It's true that in order for a village to survive, it must take measures to protect itself and its members. However, it's important to remember that the lessons of nature are complex and multifaceted. While nature does have a way of working things out and driving survival, it also operates on a delicate balance where everything is interconnected. Therefore, as we take action to protect ourselves, we must also consider the potential consequences of our actions and strive to minimize harm. It's essential to approach conflict with a thoughtful and compassionate mindset, as this is the only way to create a sustainable and peaceful community in the long term.