50

In the cycle of life, death is inevitable.
This can be dealt with in different ways—
Three men in ten are students of death,
Three men in ten are students of life,
And three men in ten are so preoccupied with survival,
That they only end up accelerating their decay.

Yet the one in ten who is truly adept at living long
Does not fear wild animals in the woods,
Nor soldiers on the battlefield.
Horns and claws do not rend his flesh,
And swords do not pierce his heart.
Why is this?
Because he is a student of both life and death equally.