고양이의 묘술(猫の妙術)의 번역과 철학적 해석

Abstract

Nekono-Myojutsu(猫の妙術), written by the swordsman, Itsai Chozansi(佚齋樗山子), while being a guide to the practice of swordsmen skills or mentality is also a book of implied Eastern philosophy and Buddhist thought. This work keeps in mind Cock Fighting of Chuang-tzu and adapts it to the subject of the attitude for Kumdo training and expresses allegorically the pursuit of the true way that consists not in technique and strength but in an emptied and free mind. Three cats express three types of Kumdo trainers. With the first type, the writer points out the limitations of Kumdo training based on artificial knowledge and the need for complete freedom united with nature. With the second type, he emphasizes attaining the state of detachment and freedom that is not a temporary energy or strength based on youth. With the third type, he points out the danger of an artificial softness and advises emptying the mind and adapting to nature. The protagonist, Shoken, is impressed by the teaching of the old cat and when he asks for teaching about the true way, the old cat says that when one forgets about property and self, one unites the outside world with self and is moved to adapt oneself to the senses of nature. The old cat also emphasizes that this truth must be realized for oneself. In conclusion, the above-stated types teach that the functional characteristics of Kumdo training are「Skill, Force, Spirit, Mind」and the purpose of Kumdo training is not victory in competition but the building of personal character.