A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

(I thought this might be of interest to you lover's-of-the-nine out there.)



A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

I'm reading this book by Miyamoto, who was a legendary Japanese swordsman living in the 15th century. Musashi was born in the Samarai class, killed his first man at 13, and was famous by 29, having killed more than 60 men in deuls of "strategy". He dedicated his life to the search of the Way of strategy.

This book is the sum of his life long study. I think you could explain his search for strategy, or the Way, in the same terms and intent that Pirsig described his "truth"; as reality, or excellence, the meeting point of science and art. The book is interesting (even though my description of it is lacking). It flows easily and concisely, and provides insight to this 15th century Renaissance man.


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When I reached thirty I looked back on my past. The previous victories were not due to my having mastered strategy. Perhaps it was natural ability, or the order of heaven, or that the other schools' strategy was inferior. After that I studied morning and evening searching for the principle, and came to realise the Way of strategy when I was fifty.

Since then I have lived without following any particular Way. Thus with the virtue of strategy I practice many arts and abilities--all things with no teacher.
...
If you practice day and night in the above Ichi school strategy, your spirit will naturally broaden. Thus is large scale strategy and the strategy of hand to hand combat propagated in the world. This is recorded for the first time in the five books of Ground, Water, Fire, Wind (Tradition), and Void.

This is the Way for men who want to learn my stratgy:
1. Do no think dishonestly.
2. The Way is in training.
3. Become aquainted with every art.
4. Know the Ways of all professions.
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
6. Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
8. Pay attention even to trifles.
9. Do nothing which is of no use.


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Excellent. Be well, my friends.