Tomoyuki’s Farewell Poem in Praise of the Buddhist Law

Forty-two years have I lived
In the mortal sphere of nonaction.
Heaven and earth disappear
As now I bid farewell to life.

(Taiheiki 太平記, zit. nach McCullough, 2003, S. 95)

Suketomo’s Farewell Poem in Praise of the Buddhist Law

The five skandhas have formed this transient shape
Whose four elements return now to true being;
I hold my neck against the naked blade -
The cutting is like a gust of wind.

(Taiheiki 太平記, zit. nach McCullough, 2003, S. 47)