[Lance K.]

I don't know how many in this forum have awareness of spirituality and the
mystical inner nature of the universe, but I sense there are those who do.
Seeing the words and expressions used by some, I can see that there are those
who have that understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, the
underlying tie that permeates all, yet transcends all. It is an understanding
that brings a sense of harmony and balance, even a synthesis, which can be
seen in the expression of ones vision, and through that expression, in ones
vision.

Though one may not be outwardly aware, that inner awareness and knowledge
comes through the heart and mind in all their creative and expressive
endeavors, leading one on a life journey that is not at all dissimilar from
paths previously walked. As a spirit being in the time space realm of matter,
the essence of who we are carries with it both our past and future to come. A
sword in hand today is a sure sign of a sword in hand yesterday.

The sword is both a symbol and a tool, of which the tool is but a reflection
of something deeper, a reflection of the symbol. Symbolically the sword is
representative of something; not merely a weapon, but an expression of spirit,
the spiritual sword of consciousness, known to many, as the sword of no sword.

The symbology of the sword is known on many levels. In its purest sense it is
a means whereby the seed is split, and the one becomes the two, even while it
is the unifier, as the two become one. It is a point of focus. Not only a
focus for the mind, but a focus of consciousness, and in essence, it is
consciousness it's self. Being symbolical for the essence of consciousness
the sword of no sword becomes the tool whereby we catalyze change. Change
comes not only by a sword in hand, but the pen. Expressing ones vision by the
pen, through art and word, can unleash the mightiest form of change, as it
penetrates the mind and heart, and not flesh alone. The sword of no sword
penetrates deep, for the pen is mightier than the sword.

With this we can understand in an ever-changing world, how our own conscious
will governs the times. Each one of us here holds a sword. Though this may
be our weapon and art, it can be known as much more. It can be known as the
warrior spirit within. Being the action of justice, or the illuminators of
truth, we stand for what is our highest being. Where we go and how we go can
only be a reflection of who we are, where we are, and when we are.

Being but a reflection in time, a reflection of the one, I see life as a
mirror unto its self, reflecting eternally into the vastness of its own
depth. Seeing the returning gaze of my self reflected in my blade, I can't
help but sense the eternal, reflecting eternally, and knowing a feeling, if
not a memory, of time long gone.

Lance

[Mikko Kuusirati]

[Sam Barris]

[Mikko Kuusirati]

It was a pun - a pen's only real use is writing or drawing, y'know, on paper, see, and...

Oh forgeddit.

I just find that particular chestnut ridiculous. It's like saying fish are mightier than bicycles - or, to quote Robocop, "A rolling stone is better than two in the bush." The Japanese concept of bunbu ichi (sword and pen as one) has always struck me as far more useful, and more reflective of the truth.

Otherwise I agree with Lance. The thing we wield as a weapon is also one of the most powerful symbols known to man - the very embodiment of life and death, in quite a literal sense. It does certainly instill in one an awareness of both.

[Lance K.]

[Dan Crowther]

I just remember the Non-Sequitur cartoon, where a man writing "The pen is mightier than the swor....." on a cliff face is squished under a boulder dropped from above. While the caveman who pushed the boulder asked "What's a sword?"

[Taylor Ellis]

And here was me thinking they were just tools designed to kill people...