also: かつにんけん
noun
life-giving sword; sword that gives life
A Zen and martial arts concept: a sword can save lives rather than take them, depending on the wielder's intent. Often contrasted with 殺人刀 (setsunintō, 'killing sword').
活人剣は、剣術の奥義として語られることが多い。
The life-giving sword is often spoken of as a secret principle of swordsmanship.
彼は活
He preached the spirit of the sword that gives life.