Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888), a revered figure in Japanese history, is celebrated for his contributions to martial arts and his pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration. This period marked significant political and social transformations in Japan during the late 19th century.
Born into a samurai family in Edo (present-day Tokyo), Tesshu embarked on his martial arts journey early in life. As a skilled swordsman, he taught countless disciples and his spiritual approach to kendo has left a lasting impact on the modern practice. Today, numerous kendo practitioners continue to admire Tesshu and his teachings.
Tesshu said, “Muto means not holding a sword other than in the heart. All phenomena in the world are created by the heart.”
He advocated the concept that the sword is not about competing with the blade but about honing the heart through the effort of aligning technique and mind, confronting the opponent with the sharpened sword of the heart. (He is the founder of the Muto-ryu school).
Thus, Tesshu redefined the meaning of kenjutsu, which had lost its practical significance after the Meiji period, by focusing on tempering the mind through training, paving the way for modern kendo. Tesshu’s philosophy is encapsulated in “Kendo is self-discipline,” a belief that resonates with the current principles of kendo.
Incidentally, Tesshu was well-versed in Zen and also an outstanding calligrapher. Although I am not practicing kendo, when I look at Tesshu’s calligraphy, I feel I understand what it means to “hone the heart through the effort of aligning technique and mind.” His works are sometimes bold and fearless, sometimes humorous, and always naturally unstrained. His calligraphy, which seems to draw out the strength of those who view it, is what I aspire to achieve.
The photo shows Tesshu’s work, “Kakunen musho (Vast emptiness - nothing sacred).” What do you feel when you see it?
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