great stuff
That's an awesome little article. Much of what he says about the purification rituals and the "imprinting" of spirits into a blade is to me reminiscent of Native American views on similar things.
I wish sometimes that dojo culture in the western world would place more value these ritual / spiritual aspects of budo. Not for the spiritual "safety" alone, but for setting the tone and correct mindset before engaging in serious and potentially dangerous practice.
Mind you, I'm probably making a foolish conclusion assuming that things are generally any different in Japan.
Thanks for sharing that.
Sean P. Tracy
Kempo-Karate, Gung fu, Stickfighting.