ENDNOTES TO THE BOOK OF EARTH

It must be understood that training is never completed. When the warrior thinks that training is over he will find that the “spirit of the thing itself ” he has been studying will elude him and fail to provide him with any future revelations. He must never stop training. In this way the spirit of the warrior will continue to grow.

The Way of the warrior is a Way of life and can never be construed as a hobby unless you are seeking only to impress others with your technique. You must never stop studying the written passages of masters relating to the art you have chosen to practice. Nor should you stop studying other arts that the warrior studies to broaden his horizons. The heart is essential in helping the intellect to understand the spirit.

If you do not have a map in unfamiliar terrain, how can you hope to get to where you want to go without difficulty? Even if you have directions, you may still have to negotiate roadblocks along the way. Likewise, if you do not set your mind and heart on the required principles, how can you ever hope to understand what it is you are trying to accomplish?

It is important for the warrior to constantly meditate upon these things:

1. Think honestly within yourself in your dealings with all men.

2. Constant training is the only Way to learn strategy.

3. Become familiar with every art you come across.

4. Understand the Way of other disciplines.

5. Know the difference between right and wrong in the matters of men.

6. Strive for inner judgment and an understanding of everything.

7. See that which cannot be seen.

8. Overlook nothing, regardless of its insignificance.

9. Do not waste time idling or thinking after you have set your goals.

The nine basic attitudes I have listed are essential for freeing your spirit from negative thoughts that would interfere with your journey. They must be thought about constantly; you must take them into your heart. Once you have accepted the need to study these attitudes, you can proceed with deliberateness, diligence and comfort. You will be able to beat many men just by looking them in the eye. They will realize that you are a formidable opponent and will not have the heart to attack.

Remember timing. Do not forget harmony with the Universe and self. Remember that continuous study is essential for approaching perfection in a chosen art. Although some people may appear to be “there” they too must continually deal with change—based on the rise and fall of timing and rhythm. However, through devotion to the Way of your art you can remove yourself from the general mass of people and be able to concentrate more effectively on your chosen Way. It is also essential to remember the need to function in society, good or bad, and that in order for your Way to be successful, you must interact with society. If you wish to control others you must first control yourself. That is why it is necessary to study continuously. This is the essence of my strategy.

So ends the Book of Earth.

In the Book of Water the entire strategy of my two-sword school is revealed. You should think each thing through completely and not simply gloss over the words. It is important to understand what you are reading and studying. Should you approach a concept that you do not understand it would be foolish, if you are making the warrior way your life style, to continue on. When I say that language is limited in certain respects it should be understood that while information may be evident, knowledge is not necessarily obvious. There are “hidden” meanings—not to be confused with non-understandable things—that must be thought through constantly until you reach an understanding. When you reread this book you will see another level of understanding come to light. In fact, each time you pick the book up to study it again, you will interpret the teachings differently. This does not mean that your previous understanding was wrong. It simply means that you are proceeding to ask the “spirit of the thing” to reveal itself on a higher level.

While it appears that the rules of strategy are explained here in terms of single combat fights, you should also think on a larger plane to understand battles involving many men. There is no limit to a man’s ability once he understands the strategic principles of an art, for they will also be useful when applied to other situations.

It is important for you to make sure you understand what you are reading. When you study strategy and grasp meanings even slightly incorrectly you will eventually be far off course. When you understand what I am telling you, apply what you have learned to your everyday life.

Imitation is the surest form of flattery and failure. I am not interested with your talk about my ideas. I am more interested in your applying them to your life. If you do not, then you are essentially not in accord with your own mind. This does not apply to those of you who read merely for enjoyment, but only to those who strive to be warriors. Study so as to absorb my teachings into your heart.