Sensei Masamune :

 “A stream has the freshest, coldest, and purest water and forms rivers, but rivers do not create streams because they contain too much Power, and the water is always dirty, silted, and impure. Be a stream; don’t be a river in life.”

Sota Kun : 

“But master, I do not understand why to appear weak and small when we, you and I, have trained for so long, to be mighty “

Sensei Masamune:

” In the remarkable story of life, there’s a profound lesson whispered by the babbling streams and the mighty rivers. See, if you will, this stream with its crystal-clear waters dancing over rocks and caressing the earth. It’s a source of vitality, a sip of purity, and a cool embrace that lingers in the air like an old friend’s laughter. Imagine this ever-flowing stream embodying qualities that make it stand out in nature’s tapestry. It’s not just water running over stones; it’s a testament to freshness, adaptability, and an untarnished spirit. These qualities define the essence of a stream, and perhaps, friend, they hold the key to navigating the currents of life. A stream is a marvel of nature, constantly renewing itself, much like a child’s curiosity never seems to wane. It carves its path through the landscape, navigating every twist and turn with an adaptability that’s nothing short of admirable. 

Life, too, is full of twists and turns, as you know. Stagnation is the enemy, and the ability to adapt, to see each bend as an opportunity, becomes our greatest strength. There’s an undeniable purity in a stream’s clarity, much like the moral clarity we must strive to maintain in our lives. Just as the stream’s water remains untainted, so must our journey be untarnished by compromises that could muddy our ethical waters. It’s a commitment to authenticity, a promise to stay true to ourselves. 

Now, let’s talk about rivers. Oh, the mighty rivers – majestic, powerful, and awe-inspiring. They shape landscapes, carve canyons, and command attention. Yet, rivers bear a heavy burden. The sheer force and volume that makes them mighty also make them susceptible to impurities. The water becomes murky, silted, and impure. In the grand tapestry of life, rivers do not birth streams. They carry too much weight, both metaphorically and quite literally. Becoming a river in life means succumbing to the pressures of Power, and, my dear boy, Power is a double-edged sword. It can shape destinies but also overshadow the finer qualities that define a stream. 

The metaphor of streams and rivers is a sage reminder. It speaks to us of the importance of embracing the stream mentality in our journey through life. Picture it as a guide from an old friend, sharing the secrets of resilience and authenticity. By prioritising freshness, purity, and adaptability, we can navigate the currents with a resilience that echoes the persistence of a stream. The allure of becoming a river may be tempting – the Power, the prominence – but the cost is high. It comes at the price of accumulating impurities, losing the essence of a stream that makes life’s journey truly meaningful. So, let us strive to be streaming in our own stories. Ever-flowing, adaptable, and pure. Life will still present its twists and turns, but with the spirit of a stream, we can carve our path through the landscapes of challenges. May your journey be as clear as a mountain stream, as adaptable as a river’s course, and as pure as the essence that defines a stream’s untarnished spirit. “

Sota Kun: 

“Yes, Sensei”