I've got my Bible and some other good books so I can spend time reading and planning sermons for the new year. And for fun I've got a couple of Elmer Keith books... one on handgun cartridges and another general book entitled "Hell, I Was There." Also have some Capstick books to read. His book entitled Warrior is fascinating.
This sounds EXCACTLY like my library. In fact, I just finished reading "Warrior" by Capstick. It is a great book.
MIKE...many of us feel and experience all of the same emotions. So take comfort that you are not alone as we all have had similar feelings.
After I read all of the post in this thread last night I went to bed (in my -40 rated sleeping bag as we have no power here) I began to reflect on my Band of Brothers here on the S&W Forum. It struck me that most of us have never met one another. I know that to be 100% true for me, as I live in country that does not embrace the same love of firearms as my southern cousins, and finding kindred souls is rare.
However, we all find these creations of crafted wood and steel by two mechanical geniuses, and what they represent, to be our common bond.
I know that many of us have done military service in one form or another, or played a key role in supporting those that have donned a uniform.
We all take pride in being self-reliant and as many of us age, our greatest concern is being a burden to others.
We are the type of people that want to solve our own problems. Whether it be a car that does not start, a tree branch that needs to be chain sawed, a elderly woman's driveway that needs clearing, a kid's bike that need fixing. We are likely the guys the neighbourhood turns to when they need things done.
And while it might be more my view of myself, I do believe that ALL of us see ourselves as "Warriors", whether we be old or not so old. Being a warrior is not just about skill at arms, or the ability to physically do combat. It is about a mind-set that prepares us to face the challenges of the day, whatever they are. It is the as much the application of common sense to life's issues as it is the adherence to an honor code as to how to live a life.
At age 57, having reached the point I knew a change needed to be made, I began practicing kendo - the Way of the Sword. I undertook this journey into kendo for physical but also philosophical reasons. As a university student my mentor, an expert on Japanese business development, introduced me to the writings of Miyamoto Musashi. I used his writings in business as many have used Sun Zse. The point I am trying to make is that while the Bible and books of knowledge can provide insight, one of the greatest warriors of all time laid down some very profound insights in a quick easy to use guide. I find them extremely useful, and especially when being alone on Christmas, comforting. So I will share now with my Band of Brothers something that I have held as my "Secret Recipe of Life" with you this Christmas, in the hopes that it is useful and not the ramblings of an old man.
The Art of Walking Alone – 21 Precepts
1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the Way
This is my gift to you all today. I hope you might find it useful, or at the very least entertaining.
All of you are part of a special breed and there is no place on the Internet that I prefer to spend time.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Peace of Mind, Good Tidings, and the comfort that all of your fears and concerns are at some point shared by all men of courage and honor, and that in having those thoughts places you in the company of a great Band of Brothers.
