Tesshu Yamaoka's doka

If your mind

is not projected

into your hands

even 10,000 techniques

will be useless.



Against an opponent's sword

assume no stance,

and keep your mind unmoved;

that is the place

of victory.



Swordsmanship:

I am not stuck

nor is my opponent hit;

unobstructed I move in

and attain the ultimate.



Where swords meet

throw off illusion;

abandon yourself

and you will tred

on the living path.



The form which arises

from no-mind

stands in the centre of things;

blows come but do not connect -

what a marvel!



Spirit, swiff;

mind, calm;

body, light;

eyes, clear;

technique, decisive!



Self-centred thoughts

are reflected as

clearly as in a mirror;

let others see them,

and you will be making a fool of yourself.



Piled up high,

the snowman (just like everyone else)

after a few days,

goes somewhere

without a trace.



After death

you go to hell

but die again

and the Devil and his minions

will squawk (for mercy)!



Do not desire money,

do not depend on empty principles,

do not seek fame:

just go with what you have

and you will pass safely through this world.



The heart of things

which cannot be seen with the eyes -

that is where the seed of Buddha lies:

make it grow

and truth will be yours.



"No more sake for you"

(my doctor declared)

but look at how tattered my sleeves are -

pour me some, please;

full my cup again and again.



Ride the heavens far above

the world's folly

on the back of a crane:

sport for a thousand years,

enjoying every minute.

