“Zen and the Attitude Towards Life” - Marco M.

Zen and the Attitude Towards Life

The magnificence of Zen philosophy lies precisely in the emphasis it places on interiority. According to it, as with Taoism, every being should know and therefore follow their own nature. Thus, fundamental inner qualities are cultivated regardless of life's outward form.

In the case of the warrior, Zen becomes Bushido, that is, the way of the warrior.

The fulfillment of Bushido is to die in battle without regret when the right hour comes. This principle applies to every human existence: to give life quality, one must abandon attachment to it and be ready to let it go when the time comes. This is just as cherry blossoms fall abruptly once they reach full bloom.

In Bushido, the warrior is not only trained in wielding the sword, but his path is predominantly ascetic, aimed at simplicity, and includes the ability to contemplate beauty and cultivate a surprising delicacy.

The image of the Samurai in his armor, flooded by cherry blossom petals whipped by the wind, thus represents the beauty of life lived quietly, following one's own nature without attachment. It represents the essence of Zen without needing too many words.

m.m.