Secrets of the Samurai - Oscar Ratti

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strengths may render that the most positive—or to shrug, throw up one's hands, and withdraw, prematurely, into the shadows. (Or, which is even worse, because it causes pain beyond the personal dimension—thrash about violently, doing damage and harming instead of helping.) Of course, there is always the Law of Unintended Consequences lurking in the background or the “Black Swans”—unforseen events, but the only way to deal with those realistically, is by continual reference to Trial and Error: How do certain actions and behaviors stand up to an objective analysis of their results? Might certain course corrections be worth consideration?

      Recent scientific discoveries may provide some guidance here, and some encouragement. Research into the neuroplasticity of the brain has shown that what we think and what we do can have a powerful effect on who we are and who we can become, and that this potential is present for as long as we live and can be actuated by our conscious focused thoughts and actions.

      In addition, the latest scientific findings indicate that we all share ninety-nine percent of our DNA, but the one percent that differentiates each one of us is so complex that the variety of formations in individuals is yet to be completely understood or appreciated. Moreover, life experiences will contribute to expressing or repressing certain genes, so that each one of us is a combination of genetic inheritance and multiform environmental exposures. Of course, the genetic package and certain life experiences may be beyond our control, but that which is within our sphere of influence—our conscious, determined patterns of thought and action intended to positively develop our physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional powers not only for our personal fulfillment, but to contribute to the wider world and extend a life-enhancing influence far beyond the boundaries of our individual existence—all of that summons us with a clarion call to enter the fray.

      Perhaps we could think of life as a giant Tapestry full of bright colors and dark accents. Each one of us is a thread that can be altered within the pattern by the action of weaving and the combination of colors. If anyone of us fails to fill his or her proper place within the Tapestry, the whole will be less and that space can never be filled. Other threads will continue the interweaving but the Tapestry as a whole will always be less than it could be, and the lack of even one strong, luminous thread will always be felt, even if not always clearly evident.

      Whatever our particular circumstances, and despite setbacks—as well as the inevitable pain and loss that we will all have to face in our own lives—as long as we live we have the potential and the ability to envision positive actions within our individual spheres and the personal power to take the steps that will bring those visions to life. We can all reach out—sometimes at pivotal moments—to help others achieve their potential and overcome obstacles that might be impeding their development. We are all part of the larger mosaic of existence, but each tesserae or tiny patch of color contributes to and enriches the reflection of life as both an art and a craft.

      On the aesthetic level, almost any human activity can be raised to the level of art—but it is not easy. It requires not only talent, but also dedication and endurance. It calls for a willingness to withstand the strain of tedium and periods when even one's best efforts seem woefully inadequate. Above all, there must be an overwhelming desire to produce something of transcendent value.

      Is it worth it? Is it worth the inevitable sacrifices and disappointments? Each person must pose that question to himself or herself. Others may inspire, support, encourage, but the ultimate answer can only come from the depths of an individual's heart and soul.

      I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our extended families and our friends worldwide for all the loving and unstinting support they have provided, in innumerable ways, since Oscar departed this dimension of our shared existence in August 2005. They are all living examples of the inestimable value of that interconnected web which integrates our fragile, often challenging lifespans.

      And, to all those who are struggling, or who will struggle, with the aftereffects of a painful loss, I say, as my Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and French ancestors would: Courage! And, as Oscar’s Italian ancestors would echo: Corragio!

      Adele Westbrook

      New York City, 2008

      PORTFOLIO OF DRAWINGS

      Since there are times and places where an image may indeed be worth a thousand words, here are several thousand words worth of classical images by Oscar Ratti that show how line and tone can be infused with the vibrant, enduring spirit of their creator.

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      IN RESEARCHING, selecting, and organizing the material for the original manuscript of Secrets of the Samurai, the authors have availed themselves of, and wish to express their indebtedness to, the works of all those scholars and authors whose painstaking research over the past one hundred years has produced the rich body of information which has made this study possible. The names of these men will appear again and again within the text of the book; they are also listed alphabetically in the Bibliography, together with the titles of those works considered by the authors to be indispensable to any study of bujutsu.

      In particular, the authors would like to express special thanks to Sophia University in Tokyo (since 1938 sponsor of the periodical Monumenta Nipponica) and to the Japan Society of London (since 1892 the publisher of Transactions and Proceedings of the Japan Society). These institutions were particularly gracious in granting permission to use freely and liberally much of the material relevant to bujutsu contained in their collections of essays. Material from back numbers of the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan also proved to be quite valuable. Unfortunately, the authors have not been able to locate any offices or officers of this society, which appears to have become inactive during recent years. In any case, the authors wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to the work of this society. Readers who live in or near New York City may avail themselves of the collections of these three major sources of information (and countless others) at the New York Public Library’s Fifth Avenue main branch in room 219 of the Oriental division. We extend our sincere thanks to the staff of this division—Dr. John L. Mish and the indefatigable Mr. Francis W. Paar and Miss H.K. Kim—who guided us through many research reefs and shoals with unflappable good humor and enthusiastic professionalism.

      Publishing houses which gave us their permission to quote freely from their editorial material on bujutsu include Brussel &

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