"Since
olden days many opinions have been expressed about which part of an opponent
one should look at [during a duel] but the majority of people have supported
staring at an opponent's face. When so doing, the eyes should be narrower than
usual but the mind should be broad. The eyeballs should not move and when the
opponent is near they should be focused as though they were looking into the
distance. In this way, a man can look at not only his opponent's face but his
whole body, thus being able to anticipate any offensive thrusts he might make.
In my opinion, there are two kinds of eyes: one kind simply looks at things and
the other sees through things to perceive their inner nature. The former should
not be tense [so as to observe as much as possible]; The latter should be
strong [so as to discern the workings of the opponent's mind clearly].
Sometimes a man can read another's mind with his eyes. In fencing, it is all
right to allow your own eyes to express your will but never let them reveal
your mind. This matter should be considered carefully and studied diligently."-
Miyamoto Musashi
