"To Release Four Hands
'To release four hands' is used when you and the enemy are contending with the same spirit, and the issue cannot be decided. Abandon this spirit and win through an alternative method.
In large-scale strategy, when there is a 'four hands' spirit, do not give up - it is man's existence. Immediately throw away this spirit and win with a technique the enemy does not expect.
In single combat also, when we think we have fallen into the 'four hands' situation, we must defeat the enemy by changing our mind and applying a suitable technique according to his condition. You must be able to judge them."
- The Fire Book, A Book of Five Rings
I don't know how to put this into words, but there is much wisdom here to contemplate. I'm not sure if I would know how to do it, but it's something to think on.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I am doing a year of reading Musashi's A Book Of Five Rings (conveniently, it divides itself nicely into seven sections of not more than 8 pages at a shot, a good morning read). As I continue to read him, his subtlety in human relations and accomplishing one's ends is astounding. Swordsmanship really is life in a crucible.
ReplyDeleteThe simple answer (or how I take it) is that when one is frustrated by not moving forward, simply stop doing what you are doing and try something else. As I have pondered this, I have found that it is a useful concept - if something is not working, why do I continue to succeed by it? The ability to move forward is found elsewhere.