fully understanding that its purpose is to make him or her stronger, calmer, more courageous, more insightful, and more spiritual, then good judgment requires that he or she seek out the most legitimate and absolute best instructor. The difference between that instructor and one who has learned his art in a few seminars is extreme. Just as the difference of only two millimeters in a sword fight can mean the difference between life and death, in personal development, a two-millimeter technical misunderstanding can mean the difference between profound realization and complete self-delusion.
So it is with swords. Of course you can purchase a piece of metal shaped like a sword for a few dollars. But holding in your hand a true Japanese katana, in which steel from a specific source has been painstakingly extracted, blended, forged, shaped and polished by craftspeople whose heritage is forged just as intensely as the steel of the blade itself, lies in a completely different realm of experience. A true Japanese katana is capable of transporting the educated aficionado to a similar extent as walking on hot coals transports the firewalker.
Where does one go to get an understanding of how to appreciate the depth of the Japanese sword and the extraordinary role of iaidō practice in its preservation? Until now, there were very few sources outside Japan. In this work, however, author Max Roach makes it possible for readers to share in exquisite detail the heretofore hidden aspects required to truly appreciate the essence of the Japanese sword. He reveals the beating heart of the forging process, the spirituality of the culture that gave birth to the katana, the world view of both the smith and the samurai, and how the esoteric art of iaidō creates a living space in which the katana, the soul of the samurai, can flourish even without war.
Nowhere else in the English language have these topics been brought together so artfully, with so many amazing illustrations, and by someone so devoted to the topic. For readers seeking to walk through the fierce history, evolution, and power of the Japanese sword, Max Roach’s work is required reading.
Introduction
History, Technology and Iconography
The Japanese sword is a technological and artistic marvel. Many scholars consider it the finest sword ever constructed. The only swords that are said to approach its metallurgical excellence are those of Damascus, made of the famous Indian wootz steel.
Yet, when considering the excellence of the Japanese sword in terms of symbolism and historical importance, no other blade comes close. To understand why, we’ll explore the Japanese sword from a historical, iconographical, and technological perspective. For the purpose of this text, the term “iconography” can be defined as the study of concepts, images, and symbolism representing the collective evolution of the Japanese in relation to their sword. By reflecting on the sociological dynamics surrounding the Japanese sword, we can determine how and why the sword of Japan distinguished itself beyond all others.
Historically, Japanese warriors have considered their swords as tools and divine companions. The spirits of Shinto gods were believed to dwell within the folds of the blade. In battle, their surfaces reflected haunting visions of bloody battlefield struggles. Centuries of warfare created a need within the warrior to reconcile his duties with his soul. This deeply personal and intimate search for reconciliation gave birth to the samurai archetype. Although their swords gained importance as tools, they also held symbolic relevance. The sword offered salvation, both practical and spiritual. The ascent of the sword as an iconic symbol was the result of countless sociological influences. Collectively, they shaped the national identity of Japan.
It can be said that the sword defined the samurai and the samurai defined the sword. Although the Japanese sword and warrior both predate the creation of the samurai class, this exchange of influence is undeniable. The intimate relationship between a warrior and his sword effected change in the Japanese culture one person at a time. Every warrior’s relationship with his sword was entirely individual and influenced by many forces. And yet the collective impact of Japanese warriors’ perceptions influenced the larger world around them. It is through examining the intersection of various sources of religious symbolism and the warrior’s need for reconciliation that one can understand the significance of the Japanese sword.
At once both beautiful and functional, Japanese swords surpass all other weapons in terms of historic and symbolic significance.
The hada (grain pattern) seen on this blade is a signature attribute of an authentic Japanese folded-steel blade. See Chapter 1, “Appreciating the Japanese Sword” for more information on Japanese sword characteristics.
Damascus steel is also folded but its layers are fewer and more crude than those of Japanese swords. In addition, the Damascus blade’s edge is not further improved in the quench hardening process.
It is important to note that applying Western paradigms to the explanation of Japanese spiritualism, particularly as it pertains to the warriors, is problematic. Most attempts to define the sword’s symbolism miss the mark by the very virtue that they assert a singular spiritual tradition as being of primary importance. Symbolism interacts with people by inspiring the spirit and stirring introspection. The symbolism of the sword has taken many forms throughout Japanese history. Further, the delivery mechanisms—the mediums through which symbolism entered the warriors’ worldview—have also come in countless forms. For example, practitioners of early native spiritual observances (referred to here as “Shintō” for ease of use) held complex beliefs surrounding the sword. Shamans and tribal leaders transmitted the nativist symbolism orally. Later, however, those beliefs and oral traditions were adapted and codified using written language. The medium of the legends changed and it can be reasonably argued that so too did the perceptions of those legends. Another example is the overblown connection between Zen and martial arts. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Zen had any more influence on the symbolism of the sword than any other philosophy. In fact, it played a much smaller role than several other spiritual traditions. The key to unraveling this enigma lies in understanding the nexus between warriors and their beliefs. A few definitions here may help clarify the objectives of this book.
The term iconography is the derivation of two Greek words: eikon (image) and graphein (to write). Strictly speaking iconography concerns itself with the input of visual media in creating imagery and symbolism. Imagery can be thought of as visual imagery, or in written form, as literary imagery. But either way, iconography concerns itself with visual media and the viewers’ meaningful response to the visual stimulus. Literary imagery offers an interesting gateway to expand the analysis offered here. Although it could be argued that the written word carries more weight than the spoken word, especially in terms of implying permanence and truth, they share a critical commonality—they both interact within the mind and heart of the person perceiving the imagery and related symbolism. In terms of meaning-making, non-visual sources of imagery are as relevant, if not more-so, than many visual forms. Imagery, whether visual, oral, or literary, accumulated in the Japanese ethos in innumerable forms.
It could be argued that by including non-visual sources of imagery, this book technically exceeds the boundaries of iconography. However, strictly speaking, I feel that this type of study falls into the field of iconology. Iconographer Albert C. Moore, in his work Iconography of Religions, explains:
Iconography
