noun
life-taking sword; sword used to kill
A term from Zen and martial arts philosophy, often contrasted with 活人剣 (life-giving sword). Refers to the sword's function of taking life, or metaphorically to a harsh, destructive approach.
Antonyms: 活人剣
殺人剣と活人剣は、剣術の表裏一体の概念だ。
The life-taking sword and the life-giving sword are two sides of the same coin in swordsmanship.
The antonym, meaning 'life-giving sword'; represents the sword's function of preserving life or a compassionate approach.
Compound of 殺人 (satsujin, 'murder, killing a person') and 剣 (ken, 'sword'). The term is deeply rooted in Zen and martial arts philosophy, where it is contrasted with 活人剣.