Miyamoto Musashi

The Jitté of Miyamoto Musashi's grandfather

Funny how so many voices speak with the same tongue. No matter what name you give to a particular personal practice so the meaning remains if not the same then so similar as to be family. Miyamoto Musashi was a swordsman whose legend has grown in Japanese history so that now the man is considered a saint of swordsmen.  No matter the myth the legend holds truths beyond those fragile concepts. Miyamoto Musashi was a Samurai. One who, when his lord died, became a Ronin. That is a warrior bereft of a master. Miyamoto Musashi was also a Buddhist and artist and philosopher. He authored two books which contain his thoughts and much wisdom. "The Book of Five Rings" and "Dokkodó" (The Book of Aloneness.) It is from the last book that these 21 thoughts come. They meet Stoicism, Tao, Zen along with regular Buddhism on the way with their philosophical thought. I think many remain true today.

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 or 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 practise 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 honour.

21. Never stray from the way.