For the samurai, the sword was more than a weapon.
It was their soul — a symbol of honor, discipline, and self-control.
They never neglected its care.
Every day, they cleaned the blade, polished it with oil, and treated it with deep respect.
To them, keeping the sword pure was the same as keeping their mind pure.
The Sword as a Mirror of the Soul
In the time of peace during the Edo period, samurai no longer needed to fight.
Yet they continued to polish their swords.
Why?
Because the sword reflected their inner state.
A dull blade meant a dull spirit.
A shining blade meant a clear mind.
To care for the sword was to care for oneself.
The Ritual of Maintenance
Polishing the blade was not only for protection from rust.
It was a daily ritual of discipline.
When a samurai wiped the blade clean, he also wiped away his doubts and fears.
This quiet act reminded him who he was — a warrior who must stay ready, in body and in mind.
Modern Lesson: The Sword Becomes the Shoe
Today, we don’t carry swords, but we still have our “tools.”
For many modern professionals, it’s their laptop, pen, or shoes.
A true professional keeps them clean and ready.
Just as the samurai polished his sword,
a great businessperson keeps their shoes shining.
It shows respect for others and discipline for oneself.
In America, people often say,
“Details define the professional.”
How you care for what you use reflects how you care for yourself.
The sword and the shoe — both are mirrors of the spirit.
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