What matters...

"What matters," said Miyamoto Musashi [who was no saburai], "is only within the reach of your Katana." [a PDF]

By the 12th century, saburai (retained person) had become largely synonymous with bushi (way of the sword) but that was somewhat of a misnomer. A saburai/samuria was actually a gentleman's attendant [another PDF] who was responsible for taking a sword strike intended for his master. To use the christian term, he was just another sacrificial lamb among so many. At least the saburai were not consumed as a flesh food.

But, getting back to the point: "Nothing matters that is beyond 5 feet in distance." If it's radiation, it matters to many young. If it's water, it matters to the many thirsty. If it's food, it matters to the many hungry.

But each of those groups is suffering the consequences of desire. The many young desire a life free of radioactive fallout. The many thirsty desire water to drink. The many hungry desire food to eat. Compassion requires a moment of thought about this.

Ready?

[.....]

O.K., we've done our compassion for 2012.

Now, what really matters?

Is the puppy warm enough when he's napping?

About the water, food, and radiation issues, all I can say is: "Picky, picky, picky."