The principles of Miyamoto Musashi

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Simple rules to live by

Miyamoto Musashi defined his principles of living a lonely yet, fulfilling life where an individual can devote oneself and lifetime into becoming a master of discipline and action.

If we look back at the teachings of Miyamoto Musashi we can see that he is a man of Stoicism who is unmoved by the waves and storms of life. He can easily let go and move forward for the sake of mastering his lifelong skill - a master swordsman. Eventually with his practice and discipline, Musashi has won 61 samurai battles as a ronin - a lone samurai.

21 Principles of Musashi based on The Book of Five Rings:

  1. Accept everything just the way it is.
  2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
  3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
  4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
  5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
  6. Do not regret what you have done.
  7. Never be jealous.
  8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
  9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
  10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
  11. In all things have no preferences.
  12. Be indifferent to where you live.
  13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
  14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
  15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
  16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
  17. Do not fear death.
  18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
  19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
  20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
  21. Never stray from the Way.

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