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2004-10-22T23:02:58Z

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== Sutra of the Four-Razored Virtues ==

Once, five brothers who were accounted virtuous men
 
Set forth on five paths and lived as they saw rightly

The first was a giant of a man who was without fear
 
He challenged everyone he encountered
 
And his strength was mighty, so he always prevailed
 
Until, finally, he did not
 
And there was no glory in his fall

The second was small and wise, full of patience
 
Whose counsel was valued above all others
 
And his counsel of temperance proved right
 
Until his enemies chose boldness
 
And there was no dignity in his ending

The third was great-hearted, a kind and gentle soul
 
He loved everyone he met on his path
 
And all loved him in return, save one
 
But he had not the will to defend himself
 
And he died alone in the dust

The fourth had a will of iron to achieve the impossible
 
He was ever firm in his convictions and his duties
 
Without mercy even for himself
 
Until finally, he killed himself for imagined disgrace
 
And so doing, abandoned duty and honor

The last man walked alone a path of razors
 
And so he was cut wherever he turned
 
Until he was a shunned ruin of a man

Who carried out his duty no matter the cost
 
Who bled himself dry in defense of the innocent
 
Who kept his mind a still pool through all hardships
 
Who never let fear stand in his way

And when his brothers’ shades came upon him
 
Broken-hearted, broken of body, wretched, and old
 
Then did they kneel as one
 
And call him Sifu

Punslinger/Four Razored Virtues Sutra - Revision history

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