>> How is this different from harikari?

i had read an article about this a while ago in a japanese book (translated
into english of course[the only REAL language.. lol :) ] )

anyways, the book states that hari kari (kiri)  is just a made up word for
the whole situation and that seppuku is when the short sword is drawn
across the stomach diagonally from lower left to upper right i think? might
be other way around.. haven't read the book in a while.  but anyways, then
the long sword is used by a trusted family member to behead the suicider.
the book also states that often, the family member then performs the ritual
on himself ... thereby cleansing his soul or something like that...   also,
the short sword is only used in that ritual, never elsewhere.  i'm not
quite sure i got the whole thing right, but there it is.

peace, out.

-sudhir
Sudhir H. Desai desa4622@yahoo.com
ICQ: 8255956            AOLim: rawsuds
1984 Vanagon Z34        1996 Jetta (soon to be race ready)

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