The principles of Miyamoto Musashi
You,•miyamoto musashi
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:
- Accept everything just the way it is.
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
- Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
- Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
- Be detached from desire your whole life long.
- Do not regret what you have done.
- Never be jealous.
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
- Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
- Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
- In all things have no preferences.
- Be indifferent to where you live.
- Do not pursue the taste of good food.
- Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
- Do not act following customary beliefs.
- Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
- Do not fear death.
- Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
- Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
- You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
- Never stray from the Way.
References: