In China there was once a man who liked pictures of dragons, and his clothing and furnishings were all designed accordingly. His deep affection for dragons was brought to the attention of the dragon god, and onde day a real dragon appeared before his window. It is said that he died of fright. He was probably a man who always spoke big words but acted differently when facing the real thing.

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Everyone lets the present moment slip by, then looks for it as though he thought it were somewhere else.

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As everything in this world is but a sham, Death is the only sincerity.

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Light matters should be dealt with seriously. Serious matters should be dealt with lightly.

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The deepest love is often hidden.

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There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. There will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. Live being true to the single purpose of the moment.

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Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate. Neither wisdom nor technique has a place in this. A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this, you will awaken from your dreams.

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If you are slain in battle, you should be resolved to have your corpse facing the enemy.

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Nothing is impossible in this world. Firm determination, it is said, can move heaven and earth. Things appear far beyond one's power, because one cannot set his heart on any arduous project due to want of strong will.

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I have found that the Way of the samurai is death. This means that when you are compelled to choose between life and death, you must quickly choose death.

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