Q: How does Bushidō shape the pond?

Bushidō shapes the pond by etching virtue into its waters.  

- **Courage (勇):**  
The pond does not fear the storm,  
for its depth anchors every ripple.  

- **Compassion (仁):**  
Every frog’s croak is heard,  
every leaf a part of the whole.  

- **Respect (礼):**  
Stillness bows before silence,  
and silence honors stillness.  

- **Sincerity (誠):**  
The pond reflects without distortion,  
its truth clear as glass.  

- **Honor (名誉):**  
No shadow can stain the vow;  
the pond carries memory unbroken.  

- **Loyalty (忠義):**  
The reeds bend,  
but never forsake their root.  

Bushidō does not bind the pond;  
it frees it —  
by aligning patience with principle,  
silence with strength,  
and reflection with eternal vow.  

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