Cloud of Sparrows

From a strategic point of view, I must of course regret our loss in that battle. Defeat is never to be lightly accepted. However, I cannot help but feel that from the aesthetic point of view,there could not have been a more beautiful result.

The white of the lightly falling snow. The red of the spilling blood. Was there ever a white more white, or a red more red, colder snow, or warmer blood?

Knowledge may hinder. Ignorance may liberate. Knowing when to know and when not to know, this is as important as a fluent blade.

Words can damage. Silence can heal. Knowing when to speak and when not to speak is the wisdom of sages.

Knowledge can hinder. Ignorance can liberate. Knowing when to know and when not to know is the wisdom of prophets.

Unimpeded by words, silence, knowledge, or ignorance, a fluent blade cuts cleanly. This is the wisdom of a warrior.

Lack of fear is not the mark of courage. It is the mark of idiocy.

What is the real? When the blades of your enemies are slashing ferociously at you, and your life hangs in the balance, you will know.

If you do not, you have lived your life in vain.

He would die without fear, drenched in his own heart’s blood, in the embrace of a beautiful woman, and she would weep for him.

What samurai could hope for more?