One stroke/one cut - can't redo; Posture - body discipline; Breathing - calm mind=steady hand; Imperfection - acceptance of impermanenc; Daily practice

Daimyo essential for controlling land, collecting taxes, maintaining armies. Without them > power vacuum, regional fragmentation, internal conflict

Very little - they were a figurehead

It was seen as a physical extension of the warrior's soul, symbolizing their honor, integrity, and spiritual identity

Looked down on because they sold items other people made (instead of making things themselves), were seen to take money in dishonest way

1. Shogun & daimyo, 2. Samurai, 3. Farmers (& artisans), 4. Merchants

Samurai were essential for maintaining the social and political order, enforcing hierarchy and suppressing unrest

Emphasis on loyalty & duty, purity, and reverence for ancestors and the divine connection to the land and emperor.

Foundation of economy, provided rice (primary unit of exchange). Also paid taxes, which funded samurai class. Without farmers, military would disintegrate

Ronin

Minamoto and Taira