The Riddle of Steel

May 21, 2009 11:24hrs

“The heart of a man is like a piece of unworked iron. It must be hammered by adversity and forged by the suffering and challenges flung by the thoughtless gods, nigh unto the point of breaking. It must be purged and hardened in the fires of conflict. It must be purified and shaped on the anvil of despair and loss. Only when your heart has become as steel will you be worthy to wield a keen edged sword in battle and win against enemies, as did the gods when they conquered the dark giants. When you have mastered the mystery of steel, my son, your sword will be you very soul.”
Conan The Barbarian, Robert E. Howard

NOTES: Keep in mind that this is a very deep philosophical statement and much meditation on the meaning of this should be done. This is like a Zen riddle the more you ponder on it the more it reveals. I have lived my life by this code and reflect on it almost daily. “Only when your heart has become as steel will you be worthy to wield a keen edged sword in battle and win against enemies” This is not literal it is figurative, your heart must be pure in many ways and also empty like the steel of a sword to effectively win in battle, one must be empty in mind of nothing other than battle to truly win against all enemies. No thoughts of work or how to throw a punch, kick or block you just do it without thought. There is no thought of win or loose just in the moment, Just like steel, it just is. This is a very stoic stance in life but, a very effective one. This is just the same as the following …

“The way of the samurai is found in death. Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily. Every day when ones mind and body are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, bullets, spears and swords and being carried away by surging waves. And every day without fail one should consider himself a dead. This is the substance of the way of the samurai.” - Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai – Yamamoto Tsunetomo

NOTE: Understand that at the thought of death many are confused and scared therefore clouding their judgment when your life has to be put on the line to save another. This thought even for a brief moment can be life or death. There should be no fear of death, death is just a transition and dieing in battle for the good of mankind is an honorable death and should be welcomed, not feared. That fear will follow you to the after life and condemn you to a restless sleep. These are deep thoughts, as the Native Americans used to say live your life in a way that allows you to prepare a noble and honorable death song.

Strength and Honor GhostDog