Three Origins of Zanjutsu

The Three Origins of Zanjutsu (斬術の三物実, Zanjutsu no San Monozane) are the sequence of progression that a swordsman undergoes in the process of their training. It is considered to be similar to the in that there is a sequence that it follows. However, unlike the four realms, the three origins are not different disciplines but rather exist as separate stages of growth for the swordsman.

Three Origins
They are known as the three origins due to the fact that it is said the swordsman is "reborn" each time they pass through the various stages. As such, unlike the four Hakuda realms, which are revisited by the martial artist in the pursuit of their training, passing through the three origins is a straightforward path the swordsman walks down.

My Sword
At the first origin, which is known simply as "my sword" (私の剣, Watashi no Ken), it is the point at which a first forges their personal. By imprinting their being into the empty, and carrying it around with them, they slowly flow the essence of their into the blade and create their own Zanpakutō. Once communication is established, they begin to learn how to harness and invoke its powers as they utilize it as a weapon. They eventually reach levels such as and  while learning to work alongside their sword, but they are unable to surpass the first origin and reach the second origin until they are able to truly become one with their blade rather than simply wielding it as a weapon. It can be said that the use of is an indication when the swordsman is beginning to understand the truth of their Zanpakutō's existence.

Sword and Me
The second origin is referred to as the "sword and me" (剣と私, Ken to Watashi).

Sword is Me
The third origin is referred to as the "sword is me" (剣は私, Ken wa Watashi).

Behind the Scenes
This article finds its basis in the three stages of mastery seen in the martial arts aptly known as Shuhari. Similar to that, the three origins are based on earth, man, and heaven respectively.