How to Read “There are no mysteries in the right way”
Seihō ni fushigi nashi
Meaning of “There are no mysteries in the right way”
“There are no mysteries in the right way” means that true teachings and genuine truths contain nothing mystical or incomprehensible.
What is truly correct has a clarity that anyone can understand. It is not wrapped in suspicious secrets or complex riddles.
This proverb is used when learning something or pursuing truth. It especially warns against attitudes that overemphasize mysticism or claim “only special people can understand this.”
The right principles can be understood by anyone who approaches them sincerely. There is no need to make them deliberately difficult.
In modern times, this connects with the idea that scientific truth and correct knowledge have reproducibility and can be explained logically.
Genuine wisdom and skill don’t need to be wrapped in a veil of mystery. Rather, they are clear and universal.
Origin and Etymology
The term “shōhō” (right way) in “There are no mysteries in the right way” is a Buddhist term meaning correct teachings or truth.
This phrase is known from “Heihō Kaden-sho,” a military strategy book written by Yagyū Munenori, a swordsman of the Edo period.
Yagyū Munenori served as sword instructor to the Tokugawa shogunate. He understood the secrets of swordsmanship not merely as technique, but connected them with Zen philosophy.
Through the way of the sword, he taught that truth contains no mystical tricks or incomprehensible elements. If you pursue the right principles, the path naturally opens.
Behind these words was likely criticism of various schools popular at the time. They emphasized mysticism through “secret transmissions” and “hidden teachings.”
Yagyū Munenori believed that the truly correct path needs no suspicious mysticism. Anyone can reach it through reasonable training.
Using the Buddhist term “shōhō” while explaining the clarity of truth in the practical world of swordsmanship, these words eventually spread beyond martial arts.
The teaching that what is correct contains no complex mysteries, but is rather simple and clear, resonated with many people’s hearts.
Usage Examples
- His teaching style embodies “There are no mysteries in the right way”—he explains even difficult things so anyone can understand
- Truly excellent technique follows “There are no mysteries in the right way”—you just need to be faithful to the basics
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “There are no mysteries in the right way” has been passed down through generations. Behind this lies deep insight into two contradictory aspects of human nature.
First is humanity’s attraction to the mystical and secretive. We are creatures easily moved by words like “special secret transmission” or “hidden teachings known only to the chosen.”
This reflects our desire to become special ourselves.
Second is the truth that humans understand deep down: what is truly valuable is simple and universal.
Throughout history, many have confused people with complex theories and mystical rituals. But what has survived the test of time are clear teachings that anyone can understand and practice.
This proverb sees through both human weakness and wisdom. We are drawn to mystery, yet we also possess the power to discern whether it is genuine.
Our ancestors captured in these brief words an essential truth about life. Truth is not exclusive—it is open to all who approach it sincerely.
What is correct need not be complex. This simple truth may be the deepest wisdom of all.
When AI Hears This
The human brain tends to amplify noise when processing information. For example, if someone performs a rain dance and it rains, the brain easily remembers this coincidence as a causal relationship.
This is what information theory calls “false detection”—recognizing unrelated signals as meaningful patterns.
In communications engineering, we use “filtering” technology to extract real messages from noisy signals. Correct methodology, or the right way, corresponds exactly to this high-performance filter.
Scientific methods eliminate coincidental occurrences (noise) by requiring reproducibility. They extract only truly meaningful causal relationships (signals).
What’s interesting is that human cognitive systems are designed to prefer “false positives.” Individuals who overreacted to sounds in the grass, thinking “it might be a tiger,” were more likely to survive.
Through evolution, our brains became optimized to mistake noise for signals. That’s why superstitions and unscientific thinking continue to arise naturally.
The right way produces no mysteries because rigorous verification processes block cognitive bias, a source of noise.
Science is the best noise-canceling technology humanity has invented. It corrects the “false detection system” that evolution embedded in us.
Lessons for Today
In modern society, information overflows. Various “special methods” and “secret techniques” are advertised daily.
This proverb gives us important judgment criteria, especially needed in such times.
What is truly valuable actually has a clarity that anyone can understand. If someone says “only chosen people can understand this” or tries to confuse you with deliberately difficult words, you might need to pause and think.
When you learn something, you can judge whether the teacher is sincerely trying to explain clearly or maintaining authority through mysticism.
This teaching also guides you when you communicate with others. What you truly understand, you can explain simply.
Even things that seem complex often have surprisingly simple essences. What you need to walk the right path is not special talent or secret knowledge, but a sincere attitude.
Keep this truth in your heart. Then you won’t get lost in the sea of information, and your power to discern what is genuine will grow.
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