Iaido, an art of mind (by Jacques MARTIANO)

"I sincerely hope that those wanting to learn the Iai taught in our school will improve themselves, without either adding the slightest personal opinion to the Katas that have been passed down from ancient times to the present day, or altering the figures that our masters have passed on to us, and that they will study with the strong conviction that they will pass them on correctly to future generations.
The sabre is the mind.
If the mind is straight, the sabre is straight. If the mind is not straight, the sabre is not straight either.
Any person wishing to learn the sabre must first straighten out his own mind, since - irrespective of the tips of the branches - the mind is the root. He must calm his mind through techniques, and therefore resolve to reach a harmonious spirit.
Engrave on your heart that Iai is a spiritual art to which one devotes all ones energy and life with unwavering determination."
 
FUKUI Torao 21st Soke