David Carradine, known best for his role in the t.v. series Kung Fu and in the Kill Bill movie series, died today. His body was discovered in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. There has been speculation that his death was the result of suicide. Be that as it may, the outcome is the same; whether by his own hand or through natural causes, he has met with the fate that awaits us all. His death is a reminder of the transient and ephemeral nature of life. A reminder that we must treasure our moments and prepare for death.
"Yet I feel compelled to say that enduring to the end no matter what happens, persevering with life despite being prepared for death at any time, is actually the secret of Bushido. This means treasuring the lifestyle of the Ninja, living as a shadow of your true purpose, and doing your utmost to survive." Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke
Yet, the death of the physical body is not the ultimate effect. I put it in terms of cause and effect because the ultimate effect of death is the eternal separation of man and his God. The cause is thus: "and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 To persevere with life, to be prepared for death, to know the secret of Bushido, one must know the secret of eternal life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1,2
Summer grass
All that remains
Of the warrior's dreams
(Basho)
