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HEIHO YUKAN SCROLL #12
There are 9 clauses for mastering castle control. I will reveal these (through my words).
1) It is naturally difficult to handle the responsibility of attacking a territory’s castle. If you attack with a large force, you must take responsibility. However, it will be possible to regain your allies with no difficulties.
Let’s take into consideration the secret teachings of castle control from Kōshū ryu. Baba Mino-no-kami was able to share with the new generation the means to master this within the Koyo Gunkan, as inscribed to him by Yamamoto Kansuke Nyūdō. The purpose of this document was meant to aid Takeda Shingen.
Castle control is relevant, as it is explained by Dōkisai¹ through his solutions. Consequently, the talented Baba Mino-no-kami upheld the teachings and became a source for learning fortification. These same teachings are also called Kiyome no Shiro (Castle Purification). Moreover, Nobufusa taught fortification thoroughly within the fields of Koyama Nyusen in Toshū². Thus we have arrived in present day where the lessons of fortification can be shared from the information gathered through past experience.
2) The matter regarding a smaller force besieged by a larger army will not feel confined, but a larger force besieged by a smaller army will have no room
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1) 道鬼斎. Yamamoto Kansuke’s Buddhist name.
2) Present day Totomi Province.
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From the conversations between Takeda Shingen and Yamamoto Kansuke Nyūdō, are what we have as the study of castle control. These teachings of castle control are considered the transmission of high level virtue.
It is said that, unlike a smaller force, a larger force cannot move so freely during conflict. For example, a castle poorly prepared with a force of 100 has room to maneuver against an army of 500. Due to the small number, there is more convenience for advancement and retreat, whereas the assault of a large force is bad since their movements will turn chaotic. This type of knowledge is called Kikaku no Bungakuron (Theoretical Calculations for 1st time users) for inexperienced groups.
3) Utilizing a fort high on a mountain to see the interior of a castle
All attacks that are based on seeing inside of a castle will gain a boost in morale. For starters, one’s force will have ample time to act accordingly, while having the ability to refrain from either setting forth an attack or needing to retreat. Within military power there is a hidden section that speaks of the benefits of constructing a watchtower out of supple pale aoki (Japanese Spotted Laurel). It is told that making a watch tower 2-3 stories high will be adequate for the eyes to see. This tree will not wither during the winter. Also, if you grow it you can use the leaves as edible provisions. There is much virtue to be gained from this.
4) The matter concerning Daikaku Umadashi and Daimaru Umadashi, and the inadequacy of setting such umadashi distances away on the outskirts of a mountain castle
Passed down from ancient times is the lesson related to securing a castle.
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If the focus is placed solely on the umadashi used for aiding in castle control, then it is not a wise decision to rely on long distances between the castle and the umadashi.
Within a castle’s borders, there are merits for being cooped up inside when the main objective is geographical advantage, as well as establishing a stronghold. It is said that in the case where one’s pinned down and cannot come out to fight, have the umadashi lined up before the front gate if there is a large amount of space. Or, you can use multiple umadashi. In doing so, there will be no open space for the enemy to rush in and overtake.
When lining up the umadashi before the front gates, if the main umadashi has too much space between it and the castle, it is stated to place another one to close the distance. A good reason for using another umadashi is that it will cut the distance in half, preventing from having open spaces that can be utilized by an opposing force.
5) The working features of the Kyokushaku
Kyokushaku is, without a doubt, the given label for the means of measuring a castle no matter how many 10,000 jō large, (1 jō = 3.03 m) the interior design or direction, or how straight or how many corners it has. A Kyokushaku, or the common measurement in shaku, uses the units of both a sun (3.03 cm) and a shaku (approx. 30.3 cm).
Today, one should be totally devoted to Tenchi Inyō³, which blesses us with the life we, as humans, have. There is something marvelous about Kyokushaku. Within Gogyō Goshō⁴, the liver is associated with ‘tree’⁵. Become verse in being like the fragrance of trees in the Spring.
6) Information regarding Chikiri no Kyokushaku
The place of origin of Chikiri no Kyokushaku (measurements of the cross pattern interior design) is said to have been attributed by a commander from Kōshū⁶ by the name of Hara Kaga Mori. He acquired the teachings at a given place from a monk.
3) 天地陰陽. Ancient practice originating in China that deals with various topics, including auspicious readings, promoting balance & harmony mentally, spiritually, and physically, and so on.
4) 五行五勝. Gogyō is a old form of philosophy originating in China that bases life and all interactions on 5 elements: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. Goshō (five victories) is possibly a play on the ideology from Gogyō, and may be topic-specific (i.e. military practices)
5) Under the Gogyō, trees represent the element ‘wood’.
6) Present day Kōshū City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
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When learned from Kaga, it became a “Taisho no Umadashi Crest”⁶.
Afterwards, Yamamoto Kansuke went to Kōshū and, along with entering the service of Takeda’s military, was presented for the first time the topic of chikiri through Hayato Sa, son of Kaga Mori.
Through his service, Kansuke was able to make a true, geometrically 4 sided castle (4 ways 4 corners). He grew to the point where he could devise plans that utilize ladders properly in a castle consisting of cross patterns that wrapped and winded around no matter how large the size. He could design a castle serving as a stronghold where the occupants walled up inside can take action and hold out.
Such a great thing we have called “chikiri no kyokushaku”, as it was birthed from profound knowledge. This knowledge will be preserved forever.
7) Hidden usages of Kyokushaku
Chikiri is a structure having 4 corners and angles that are symmetrical. Manji is 2 characters forming completely harmonized shape. The reasoning behind the chikiri’s straight 4-directional and criss-cross patterns is to create shadows within the structure. This makes tactics for advancing & retreating ideal when within the confinements of a structure having a criss-cross pattern. This is especially true for those dedicated to the military practices of Kōshū ryū. In the same manner, one can devise triple manji patterns at the rear of the castle.
With a calm mind, you can bring forth well-structured patterns that work to your force’s advantage.
6) This refers to the Hara clan using a Chikiri pattern not only as a kamon (家紋, family crest), but as an umajirushi (馬印, identification marker on the horse of a commander).
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A Honai Hachijin (Passageway done in 8-Way Formation) is the structure that has complete four sides and top-bottom encasement, along with the inside being spherical with a beginning and an end.
You can become well trained and disciplined through understanding the concept behind achieving victory by any means necessary.
9) A person’s natural qualities through Kyokushaku
A limitless design shaped with entrances that is believed to be impossible to conceive points to being of the will of the gods. When the unusually wonderful and greatest qualities of one’s natural abilities have been reached, an individual will appear to be performing miracles while taking to the task at hand. The very thing you work on will also appear divine.
Above being perceived as a virtuous man capable of particular & special things, you will exist within the space of the great elements through kata-no-de⁷ of the Katamon Shinshin no Kyokushaku.
Compiled in the year 1790, in the middle of August.
To be passed on with utmost secrecy. Revealing contents is prohibited.
7) 堅ノ出. Properly, this is pronounced shushutsu when written as 堅出. This is a proverb from Buddhism, which speaks about reaching deep knowledge with each accomplishment achieved through one’s own power.
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