"Zither, chess, book, painting, sword.
These symbolize classical skill.
There was once a wanderer who cared nothing for fame. Although he
had many chances for position, he continued to search for teachers who
could help him master five things : zither, chess, book, painting, and
sword.
The zither gave him music, which expressed the soul. Chess
cultivated strategy and a response to the actions of another. Books gave
him academic education. Painting was the exercise of beauty and
sensitivity. Sword was a means for health and defense.
One day a little boy asked the wanderer what he would do if he lost
his five things. At first the wanderer was frightened, but he soon
realized that his zither could not play itself, the chess board was
nothing without players, a book needed a reader, brush and ink could not
move on their own accord, and a sword could not be unsheathed without a
hand. He realized that his cultivation was not merely for the
acquisition of skills. It was a path to the innermost part of his being."
- Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao: Daily Meditations
Standard 32 Sword Form: Black Dragon Whips His Tail
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