"And no one should give up performing great exploits, for when the body can do no more, the heart and determination should take over; and there are many people who have been more fortunate in the end than they hoped for in the beginning..." Geoffroi de Charny
According to legend, King Richard I ( 1157-1199) is to have said, "A true nobleman is measured by his deeds, character, and honour."
In the movie "Rob Roy" there is a wonderful scene in which the hero is asked by his sons, "What is honor?" Rob responds, "Honor is something no one can give you … and no one can take away. It is a man's gift to himself."
"Victory & Defeat lies in God's hands; over Honor, we ourselves are Lord & Master." Author Unknown
"For honour is more worth than gold or syluer withoute any comaryson." Raymon Lull - 13th Century
"The ultimate aim of Budo lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of one's character." Popular Martial Arts Maxim
THE WARRIOR CREED: Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there. Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend. Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there. "It's a better life!" - By Robert L. Humphrey
Satisfaction and doubt alike can be destructive if they distract us from our goals. It's an elegant thought that can take a lifetime to really understand.
"When a man is a king among men, as was King Arthur, then is he of such a calm and equal temper that neither victory nor defeat may cause him to become either unduly exalted in his own opinion or so troubled in spirit as to become altogether cast down into despair. So if you would become like to King Arthur, then you shall take all your triumphs as he took victory, for you will not be turned aside from your final purpose by the great applause that many men may give you ... He who is a true king of men, will not say to himself, 'Lo! I am worthy to be crowned with laurels;' but rather will he say to himself, 'What more is there that I may do to make the world the better because of my endeavors?'"
After months of work with the bow, Herrigel reports that he was pleased with his improving marksmanship. His teacher, however, wasn't concerned with accuracy; he was concerned with tranquility. Herrigel says, "If ever the least flicker of satisfaction showed in my face the Master turned on me with unwonted fierceness. 'What are you thinking of?' he would cry. 'You know already that you should not grieve over bad shots; learn now not to rejoice over the good ones. You must free yourself from the buffetings of pleasure and pain, and learn to rise above them in easy equanimity.'" -- Eugen Herrigel "Zen in the Art of Archery."
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