Uesugi Kenshin - Let No Opportunity Slip!
“I never thought about winning; I merely made up my mind never to let an opportunity slip by.”
“Live each moment with intense awareness to recognizing opportunity and be wholeheartedly determined to let no opportunity slip. ”
Uesugi Kenshin (1530 - 1578) had the constant determined awareness to seize every available opportunity with the courage of a fierce warrior, and the compassion and principle of a Zen Priest. #Uesugi is renowned for his martial prowess and ability as a #commander. His reputation earned him the nicknames of "The Dragon of Echigo" and “the God of War.” He fought a series of battles with his rival, the legendary Takeda Shingen, known as “the Tiger of Kai.” #Kenshin even defeated the powerful Oda Nobunaga in a battle which would impact the fate of Japan.
This quote on #seizingtheday, attributed to him in the #Hakagure, helps to understand his #mindset and his many accomplishments. From the age of 7 to 14 he studied #martialarts, government administration, and Buddhism at a temple, #Risenji, under the tutelage of the influential monk Tenshitu Kouiku.
At the young age of 14, he took control of his clan. Engaging in many battles while still a young teenager, he eventually became the heir to the Uesugi domain and was considered a powerful warlord. He is known for instilling the virtue of respecting one’s enemy, and for the inherent value in winning a fair fight. This being said, he was excellent in both #surviving and #thriving in the real world of #deception and #betrayal.
Having the #courage to engage the toughest situation and #win by drawing forth the greatest from oneself and each person on one’s side. Living each moment with intense awareness to recognizing #opportunity and wholeheartedly determined to let no opportunity slip. These powerful pieces of #wisdom we can learn from #uesugikenshin.