Anatoliy Anshin writes in his book: “The Truth of the Ancient Ways” on page 14:
“The cult of the blade was the fourth element of bushi intangible culture.
When outdoors, Japanese warriors constantly wore a long sword and a short sword or dagger. They were not supposed to detach the short blade from their waist for even a moment; this was the manifestation of the state of constant alertness within the broader context of evryday preparation for death.
Everyday life was intended to be but a constant preparation for ones death, with the proper spirit expressed, through the proper “form”, the body. Preparation for death was not conducted in a morbid manner but, rather, was accompanied by a positive attitude that was achieved by setting a goal that was meaningful in a warrior’s life.
This meant neither awaiting nor fearing death, not the desire to die irresponsibly at any convenient chance, but constant readiness to sacrifice one’s life for his cause.”
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