Suzuki Shosan (1579-1655) who had fought as a samurai in the battles of Sekihagara and Osaka argued that in the life of commoners, ordinary, daily work, could lead to enlightenment.   What mattered was internal attitude; when this was properly adjusted and focused all trades could become the roads to spiritual emancipation.”  p. 222 Marius B. Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan

Source: Wikipedia
Genpaku trained himself to understand Dutch to further Japanese understanding of medicine and science.

Well, despite my disclaimer samurai have crept into my blog.   First of all, let me explain how I found this quote.  I am a busy high school teacher and a father of two children and time is at a premium.  However, what I have learned All Japanese All the Time and Japanese writers on learning, is that squeezing in little moments of learning things that bring you joy is much more preferable to throwing up your hands and feeling that all is futile.   Want to play guitar?  Hold it in your hands five minutes a day and do something. Continue reading »