Few of us can match Miyamoto Musashi’s single-minded devotion to the pursuit of excellence in martial arts.
In fighting over sixty duels, many to the death, Musashi demonstrated great courage. And in winning every one, he showed superior skill and technique. Musashi attributed his outstanding swordsmanship to unrelenting practice of self-reliance and self-discipline.
In his final years, Musashi retired to a cave for a life of quiet contemplation. It was during this time that he composed his famous guide on strategy, The Book of Five Rings.
In his very last days, this Kensei (Saint of Swords) further distilled his insights on self-discipline and personal development into 21 points. Musashi bequeathed this lesser-known work, Dokkodo, to his senior student before passing away.
Dokkodo (The Way to be Followed Alone)
- Do not stubbornly rebel against the ways of the world.
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
- Do not rely upon any half-hearted feelings.
- Think lightly of yourself and think deeply of the world.
- Remain detached from desire.
- Do not regret what you have done.
- Never be jealous of others.
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
- Abandon resentment and complaint.
- Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of love.
- Disregard your personal preferences.
- Accept your dwelling and living conditions.
- Do not pursue the taste of good food.
- Do not hoard ancient treasures intended for future generations.
- Do not mindlessly follow the ways of the world.
- Do not become obsessed with weapons or fighting.
- Do not run from death.
- Do not accumulate goods and riches for your old age.
- Respect the gods, without relying on their help.
- You can abandon your own body, but never let go of your honor.
- Never depart from the way of strategy.
Which of these guidelines are you able and willing to follow?
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8 responses so far ↓
1
Caleb
// Jun 18, 2008
#1 and #15 are basically the same as the Bible’s sayings of “being in the world,but NOT of it.”
2
Mike
// Oct 28, 2009
Hi Caleb,
respect, these two are my favorites (two?), but all of them has to be practised of course. Maybe you call me crazy, but I think it’s the TIME to get all the samurai together to “fight” the LAST war… (war of words) cause the sword of the samurai in our times is speech. What do you think… I’m from Germany by the way, xcuse my language
Michael
3
Hanshi Stephen Kaufman
// Dec 30, 2009
I have a follow up to my version of “The Five Rings” entitled “The Lady of the Rings,” Musashi’s strategy interpreted for women. I will personally autograph all books ordered thru my website. Thank you and best regards.
Hanshi Stephen Kaufman
4
Josh Young
// Jan 1, 2010
I am one of countless enthusiasts who have enjoyed Musashi’s words.
It is said he refined this list and left out #4 and #20.
I find the translation “the book of the five elements” makes a great deal more sense than “the book of the five rings” Considering his sections were named for the “scrolls” of the 5 elements.
5
Kinesis 3KW
// Jan 11, 2010
“In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.” -The Book of 5 Rings
http://3000worlds.com/blogs/musashi
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