Ei. Wa. Chi. (Honor. Harmony. Knowledge.)

[gurdymonkey]

On the WK list today, someone asked for information on Japanese armor. Someone else posted "Isn't this a pre-1600 Western European Middle Ages/Renaissance Recreation Group? or Am I on the armor from anywhere/anytime list? ...., talk them out of it!.."

I know better than to step into the sty and wrestle this particular pig. He enjoys it. And who wants muddy hems anyway?

He will never know what I know: the Nihonjin of the SCA that I have had the honor to meet are each alone worth a thousand other men. I would  not be in the SCA at all were it not for Sir Tanaka Raiko. I would not have thought about portraying (if only part time) a Japanese if it were not for Fujimaki Tosaburou Hidetora and Fujiwara no Aoi. I certainly wouldn't be doing it five years later all alone in The Most Eurocentric Place In The Known World were it not for many, many other people who inspire me and keep me searching.

Because they are worth repeating as often as possible, I offer the wise words of Otagiri Tatsuzou.

"It has been said by some that the warriors of the Heavenly Kingdom do not belong on the Field of Honor.
(Samurai do not belong in the lists)

The Three Vows of Honour

I vow to honor my foe and call his blows fairly and trust that he is fair in turn
I vow to honor my chosen ancestors, to learn well their weapons and the manner in which they wield them.
I vow to honor my hosts, to learn well their weapons and the manner in which they wield them.
------------------------
It has been said by some that the warriors of the Orient do not act like guests among us and upset the tranquility of the Kingdom.
(Samurai do not act like guests)
(Samurai mar my medieval groove)

The Three Vows of Harmony

I vow to remember that I am a guest within this society and show gratitude for the hospice.
I vow to keep my arms, armour, and dress suitable to my station.
I vow to show respect to the King, the Peers of the Realm, the Nobles and Barons, and all the populace of the Kingdom.
-------------------
The Three Vows of Knowledge

I vow to learn deeply of the ways and customs of my chosen ancestors
- to honor, cherish, and emulate them.
I vow to learn deeply of the ways and customs of my hosts
- to honor, cherish, and emulate them.
I vow to share what I learn to those who wish to know but never preach to those who do not."

Chant it with me, children.
Ei. Wa. Chi.
Ei. Wa. Chi.
Ei. Wa. Chi.

Comments

Quotes on Honor

[moira-ramsay.livejournal.com]

Be not ashamed of thy virtues; honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times.
Ben Jonson (1572 - 1637)

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked and he has not been caught.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956), 'Prejudices: Fourth Series,' 1924

Don't look for more honor than your learning merits.
Jewish Proverb

An honor is not diminished for being shared.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "Shards of Honor", 1986

Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "A Civil Campaign", 1999

If the truth doesn't save us, what does that say about us?
Lois McMaster Bujold, Diplomatic Immunity, 2002

Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "A Civil Campaign", 1999

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), in Good Housekeeping

What is left when honor is lost?
Publilius Syrus (~100 BC), Maxims

The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Honor does not have to be defended.
Robert J. Sawyer (1960 - ), "Calculating God", 2000

Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people.
Welsh Proverb

Re: Quotes on Honor

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

WHY am I not surprised at how many quotes from Bujold novels there are in here?

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

The pig analogy is especially apt in this case.


Many snarky things almost got said, but I resisted.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Now, now, it was a metaphor. Yes, really! That person is himself and can be no other and we can agree to disagree.

Hmmm. Should Saionji go to March Crown looking insanely period and sashay past a certain person? A lot?

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

Saionji should ask him about the documentation for screaming yellow sweatpants as found in pre-1600 Western Europe.

"....and where can I get a pair of my very own?"

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

You know Saionji likes eye-bleeder colors!

Ei. Wa. Chi. Say it with me.

That Person is not being nearly as awful as I was afraid he might, notwithstanding his habitual inability not to have the last word, which is WHY I know better than to get into it with him. He can't stop.

Ei. Wa. Chi. (Soothing, isn't it. Shall we light some incense?)

Other Persons are stepping up to bat and helpfully pointing out the realities of the existence of non-Western players in Our Society. Must remember to thank Alvar especially for mentioning the Japanese delegation sent to Spain and the Vatican in the 1580s.