Matsuura Seizan - Meeting With Minagawa Kien

Meeting With Minagawa Kien

His first meeting with the man who would become his teacher in philosophy was less than auspicious - over-hearing Kien talking about swordsmanship, Seizan interrupted and questioned whether Kien was even capable of using the swords he carried at his waist. Kien replied that if Seizan had any doubts on the matter, he should draw his sword and attack him right there and then; if not he should keep quiet, going on to say that whenever he took up his swords, it was always with the determination to use them should it prove necessary. Seizan was impressed, writing that this attitude was at the heart of swordsmanship. (From the Joseishi Kendan).

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