I am not yet a wooden rooster (I have not yet achieved the state of perfect inner stillness).
我いまだ木鶏たりえず
Athletes
Futabayama Sadaji
Born in Usa, Oita Prefecture in 1912, Futabayama was the 35th Yokozuna who holds sumo's unbreakable record of 69 consecutive victories. His words 'I am not yet a mokugyou (wooden rooster)' after his streak ended symbolize a seeker's philosophy, giving sumo spiritual depth beyond mere strength. He embodies the ideal of sumo's way - the greatest rikishi in history.
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Futabayama Sadaji's Other Quotes
Related Quotes
He who knows only victory and does not know defeat will suffer for it.
-- Tokugawa Ieyasu
I was originally a commoner, tilling the fields at Nanyang.
-- Zhuge Liang
Let the boy win his spurs.
-- Edward, the Black Prince
In God's name, the soldiers will fight and God will give the victory.
-- Joan of Arc
The whole art of war consists of getting at what is on the other side of the hill.
-- Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.
-- Belisarius