Edit July 9, 08 : file replaced. Please note the competition for which this was created took place some time ago.
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I'm rather cheekily hoping that this is a slightly controversial entry for ~junkauge's competition to depict myself as a weapon.

After all, et arma et verba vulnerant, and the pen is mightier than the sword. Words and works of art can impart a profound stamp which lasts through time and can be universally felt.

My other great inspiration comes from the wonderful Chinese folk tale, The Magic Paintbrush. In the tale, Ma Liang, a poor, kind-hearted young man with a passion for painting, discovers a magic paintbrush after having been presented it by an old sage in a dream. With this brush, Ma Liang improves the lives of the people around him by painting everything from cows to whole rivers, all of which come beautifully and magically to life.

What better 'weapon' to be, than one which creates, instead of destroys? One which beautifies, enlightens and improves, rather than annihilates.

But lest we forget the blow which a brush may yet strike, consider the end of the tale. When a greedy and wicked man forces Ma Liang to paint him a mountain of gold, Ma Liang paints a sea as an obstacle to the mountain. As the wicked man sails on his way towards it, Ma Liang paints a great wave which engulfs it. The wicked man drowns, and Ma Liang returns to helping others with his magical art.

A brush is about the only kind of weapon I can be. If I must fight, I shall do so subtly, with words and with art.

The Chinese script on the left translates as: 'Cleanse my heart completely, so I can understand the Zen of art.'

The Sanskrit at the bottom right translates as: 'We have reflected upon the duties of the world', 'According to one's intelligence and strength', and 'Should do'.