2006.06.01 Shin Koto
When you run your mind's thumb along the edge of your thoughts, does it bleed?
An Entirely Inaccurate Retelling of the Legend of Masamune and Muramasa
The old master swordsmith, Masamune, was challenged by a new master swordsmith, Muramasa, to see who could create the finer sword. They both toiled until they created masterpieces, and so they tested the results. To test the blades, they suspended the swords in a small creek, with the cutting edges facing the current. Muramasa lowered his sword into the flowing water, and it cut everything that came its way - leaves, fish, even petals that merely brushed it. Next, Masamune lowered his blade into the current and waited patiently. Not a leaf was cut, and fish swam right up to it unharmed.
Muramasa proclaimed his sword of obviously superior keenness, and began to scoff at Masamune. A monk, who had been watching the test, approached and bowed low to the two masters. He said, "The first sword is by all accounts a fine blade, however the second is by far the finer of the two. The first is bloodthirsty, not discriminating who or what it will cut, and will just as readily cut down butterflies as cleave heads. The second does not needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving."
Exasperated, Muramasa pulled up his sword, dried it, sheathed it, and left with a surly ill temper. Masamune then quietly pulled up his sword and sheathed it - for it was still dry.
The obvious thrust of the legend is generally to characterize the Muramasa blades as unnecessarily aggressive, while Masamune blades are shown as being representative of the subtle power of a peaceful and calm warrior. But you know what? As a metaphor, for my intellect being a weapon, I would rather it be a bloodthirsty Muramasa blade. Let it slice into all manner of thought, and cleave revealing cross-sections of all ideas presented, and let no philosophy be swallowed whole.
