The Sword Is the Heart

剣は心

Ken wa kokoro.

“The sword is the heart.”

This phrase comes from the teachings of sword arts like Aikido and Kenjutsu. On the surface, it sounds poetic. But in practice, it’s a profound reminder of alignment—between weapon, intention, and spirit.

To me, this calligraphy is about integrity. Not just martial integrity, but personal truth. If your heart is chaotic, the sword will be erratic. If your heart is steady, the sword becomes an extension of that calm. The blade is not just steel—it is your will, your breath, your awareness in motion.

I painted this with a sense of reverence. My strokes were deliberate, paced. Each character a small ritual.

I signed it with the same name as before—静心 (Seishin), meaning “quiet heart.” It felt right.

What you bring to the sword, you bring to the world.

What lives in your heart becomes your path.

—Saria

静心