Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi, also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku, was an expert Japanese swordsman and rōnin. Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent and unique double bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 60 duels. He was the founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and in his final years authored The Book of Five Rings, a book on strategy, tactics, and...
NationalityJapanese
ProfessionSoldier
CountryJapan
...most warriors only perform tricks. The way of the warrior is filled with soul and feeling
Step by step walk the thousand-mile road.
Do not let your opponent see your spirit
When your opponent is hurrying recklessly, you must act contrarily and keep calm. You must not be influenced by the opponent.
It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way.
With your spirit open and unconstricted, look at things from a high point of view.
You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough. Without imitating anyone else, you should have as much weaponry as suits you.
When in a fight to the death, one wants to employ all one's weapons to the utmost. I must say that to die with one's sword still sheathed is most regrettable.
Immature strategy is the cause of grief.
I dreamt of worldly success once.
If you want to learn the craft of war, ponder over this book. The teacher is as a needle, the disciple is as thread. You must practice constantly.
Respect the gods and buddhas, but never rely on them.
When your spirit is not in the least clouded, when the clouds of bewilderment clear away, there is the true void.
One must make the warrior walk his everyday walk.