Samurai

It is in my opinion that labels will always limit us in our growth and experience. If we label ourselves as Samurai we will strive only to be that which we perceive a "Samurai" to be. I think this logic is inherently flawed. In my opinion the best way to be is adaptable and adopting. There are good concepts found in books like Hagakure and there are excellent principles in Bushido. But even the strictest adherance to any of these things will not make a person a Samurai. To strive to attain the role of something like a "Samurai" is to put only your ego at the forefront of your actions. Attaining these titles does nothing but serve the ego. If you wish to be like a Samurai, live honorably and be impeccable...but do not let your ego drive you to emulate the samurai of years ago. If your ego is your inspiration, you will only ever attempt to emulate the external and will never adopt what is at the heart of matters. It was said by Atisha that "The greatest wisdom is seeing through all appearances"... it seems many are attached to the trappings of the Samurai and not the principles.

Shinigiwa Ni, Samurai Tribe, "Modern Samurai?" thread

Thank you, Eurotopia...

Warrior of the Light...
I just started re-reading Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho--this passage struck me as something I needed to share with many... but most importantly for Grim.

Every Warrior of the Light has felt afraid of going into battle.

Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.

Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.

Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.

Every Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed that he was not a Warrior of the Light.

Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.

Every Warrior of the Light has said "yes" when he wanted to say "no".

Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved.

That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this and yet never lost hope of being better than he is.

Paulo Coelho