Gentleness is not the absence of power, but the proper and judicious use of power.

Just as a tigress holds her cub by the scruff of the neck in her mouth, applying just enough pressure with her powerful jaws to hold on to them, but not pierce their neck with her sharp teeth, so too is gentleness. Gentleness is the sublimated result of the expression of power. It is like a piece of coal that has been allowed to sit beneath the pressure of tons of rock over geologic time, which eventually results in a diamond. It is clear, strong, and perfectly reflects all the colors of the light spectrum. But a diamond still needs polishing to achieve its true brilliance, just as gentleness needs cultivating to achieve its true transformative power.

The libidinal force from where gentleness emanates is power, and power derives its virtue through vulnerability, an unattached state of the ego. Vulnerability, coupled with intention, is power itself. And the most refined expression of power is gentleness. This higher vibration of power is the place from which all negativity and fear can be transformed into its more positive and natural state. For example, from gentleness criticism can become council, obstacles can become challenges, and fear can become courage.

Gentleness is the highest virtue and pursuit of a martial life and is the foundation of any life that seeks to cultivate love. The dynamic equilibrium that exists within man will naturally move in the direction of gentleness and love so long as we continually strive for clarity through unattachment, strength through vulnerability, and wisdom through self-reflection.