Equanimity

Since the creation of man, the moon has been an object of contemplation; its silver disc endlessly tracing an arc in the frozen blackness of infinity.  The moon seems aloof, staring down in sublime elegance shrouded in the unnerving gloom of night.  It appears undisturbed by human tumult as it floats amid the celestial void.  The moon's eternal tranquility speaks to man's search for equanimity.  "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20

The warrior strives for an imperturbable equanimity, especially in the face of death.  The Ninja strives to endure, to survive, though he faces the immediate specter of death, realized by a finely honed blade poised to strike his heart.  In battle, survival is achieved through the settled spirit which has come to terms with a divine destiny and which knows peace with God.  This state results in the free flow of technique and feeling which is the surest path to victory.  Fear is subsumed and equanimity achieved when the budoka meditates on the nature and virtues of God.  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26: 3  Then, the heart may float as the silvered moon in the black void.