In Japanese the word for a dull sword is namakura (鈍). Other readings of this kanji can mean “lazy” or “cowardly.” The sharpness of one’s sword is the only thing keeping death at bay and so the worst thing a sword can be is either broken or dull. Dullness pertains to one’s legerity or having both mental and physical agility or quickness but it also has many other connotations. Dullness can refer to the sharpness of one’s mind and a warrior’s ability to think, understand and read situations. The faster we can process information enables us to improve our ability to succeed. The ability to read situations enables us not to commit faux pas or commit other indiscretions that could accidentally lead to unwanted fights or hurt feelings. Dull also alludes to one’s depth or how much effort we put into understanding something before we superficially speak just to speak. We also can’t allow ourselves to become physically dull as well. A warrior has to always be in shape and physically ready. In the world of martial arts fatigue is fatal. The sword is the symbol of a warrior. It is the physical representation of what a warrior wishes to become - straight, sharp and to the point. Straight symbolizes the Way or how a warrior lives their life or one’s character. Sharp implies one’s physical and mental edge. To the point means having integrity where our actions, thoughts and words come to a point and are in alignment. A sharp sword represents the line between life and death. Sharpness can keep us alive while a dullness can quicken our journey to the other side. A dull sword is worthless and a sharp sword of high quality is priceless and thus a warrior strives to be a person of the highest quality. A warrior never allows themselves to become dull and a dojo should never be full of dull swords. Don’t allow yourself to become dull.
Today’s goal: Think about the places in your life that you have allowed to become dull. Sharpen them.