You have probably seen the Tom Cruise film 'The Last Samurai', inspired by historic events and figures in the last days of feudal Japan. The last samurai was in fact Saigo Takamori, (played brilliantly by Ken Watanabe in the film), who was at first a loyal supporter of reforms for the 'westernisation' of Japan. But when the privileges of the samurai class were abolished, notably the traditional carrying of the two swords, he was torn between loyalty to his country and loyalty to his samurai ideals. (You can find a good overview at Wikipedia).Here is a beautiful and profound exposition of 'The Way' by Saigo Takamori.
The way is the way of Heaven and Earth, man's way is to follow it; therefore make it the object of thy life to reverence Heaven.
Heaven loves me and others with equal love; therefore, with the love wherewith thou lovest thyself, love others.
Make not man thy partner but Heaven, and making Heaven thy partner do thy best.
Never condemn others; but see to it that thou comest not short of thine own mark.
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Photo: Kanazawa Shrine, by Martin Drew
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