Ash Lad

“envelop the universe by means of my mind; and by means of the universe, there is nothing that obstructs my mind. Riches and honor, good luck and calamity are elsewhere. When you seek after such things, you may obtain them or you may not—this is not something that is guaranteed. The Greatest Happiness is within yourself. If you seek your mind wholeheartedly, you will obtain it for sure. Simply, do not seek after illusion.”
― Issai Chozanshi, The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel

“Take this single tree. They could cut it down and make half of it into an incense tray, decorate it with lacquer set with gold or silver filigree, and set it in an alcove of an aristocrat or man of high rank as a tasteful ornament. The other half they could make into wooden clogs for stepping through the mud. When you look at the two different shapes, one is admired while the other is considered mean, but they’re the same in terms of the cutting down of a living tree.”
― Issai Chozanshi, The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel

“When you know yourself, you will be clear within and keep yourself well in check. Thus, there will be no reason for anyone to come and be your opponent. Even if your knowledge is insufficient and you make mistakes, it will not be your fault. Just entrust things to Heaven.”
― Issai Chozanshi, The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel

“The wise and sagacious men of ancient times had the very spirit of the martial and did not kill.”
― Issai Chozanshi, The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel