Miyamoto Musashi

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Miyamoto Musashi

Posted On : Oct-21-2011 | seen (561) times | Article Word Count : 1584 |

Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman and rōnin (a samurai without a master). Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. Miyamoto Musashi was the founder of the Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and the author of The Book of Five Rings. It's a book on strategy, tactics and philosophy that is still studied today. He is widely considered one of the greatest warriors of all time.

Miyamoto Musashi

He was a Japanese swordsman and rōnin (a samurai without a master). Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. Miyamoto Musashi was the founder of the Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and the author of The Book of Five Rings. It's a book on strategy, tactics and philosophy that is still studied today. He is widely considered as one of the greatest warriors of all time.

The samurai followed a warrior's code called Bushido. It was similar to the medieval knights code of chivalry. Samurai were fighting men, skilled in martial arts. They had extensive skills in the use of the bow and arrow, and the sword. They could just as easily kill a person with their own bare hands. In fact, Aiki-Jitsu (Aikido is a form of it) was a based on the fighting needs of the Samurai. They were also great horsemen.

Musashi killed his first opponent (an adult swordsman) at the age of thirteen. He also fought in major pitched battles, and never lost a single duel. He developed a two-sword technique that was never mastered by anyone except himself. He was also famous for his cunning and grasp of the psychology of battle. Miyamoto was and is still considered even 450 years after his death, the ultimate warrior who embodies what it was to be a samurai.

Bruce Lee and Miyamoto Musashi were two great masters who both agreed that at the peak of their respected martial arts styles, that mastery of them ended with a formless form. They believed that combat was spontaneous, and that a martial artist cannot predict it but only react to it. Bruce Lee even said that a good martial artist should "Be like water." Which is to move fluidly or instinctively, without any hesitation. (It's too bad he did not realize the importance of water baptism in the name of Jesus). Miyamoto said that "fixation (rigidness) was the way to death, and fluidity the way to life." I have met and trained with the famous Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, and he has said the same exact thing.

Musashi's book (The Book of five Rings) reveals his techniques and strategies. He also wrote these final words a week before his death. It is named, "The Way to be Followed Alone." This work is 21 lines long, each line contains a different idea one would live by.

1. "Accept Everything Just The Way It Is." Excellent advice. Rather than worry or fret about what's going on around you, accept it. God is in control of it all anyway, we must know His will and way in order to complete our lives in Him.

2. "Do Not Seek Pleasure For It's Own Sake." Many people do not heed this warning. Anyone who has lived a while will understand the pains of losing family or friends to addictions and lusts. The Apostle Paul wrote that let your moderation be known to all those around you. Even as any athlete must be disciplined, lest they lose out in the sport of which he or she has chosen.

3. "Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Depend On A Partial Feeling." You must be sure of where you put your foot before you step. The meaning here is not to get confused, to keep your head clear, and only act when you're certain. The Bible says that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

4. "Think Lightly Of Yourself And Deeply Of The World." Remain humble. How are you to hear wisdom if you only hear yourself? If you only walk around with eyes for yourself, you'll miss the details of the world around you. Paying attention to the world let's you better appreciate the results of your actions, as well as giving you insight into things you would otherwise miss.

5. "Be Detached From Desire Your Whole Life Long." Be content with that which God has given to you. Always continue on with your goals in life, but don't let them rule you. Don't dwell on what others have when you can make your own.

6. "Do Not Regret What You Have Done." Understand your actions. If you disprove of how you are, don't constantly regret the past and be bitter. Work to understand yourself, put it past you, and live your life how you should. The Apostle Paul wrote that we should "forget those things behind us, and press forward."

7. "Never Be Jealous." It's a waste of time. Spend your energy productively. All that time scheming could achieve a lot of other things.

8. "Never Let Yourself Be Saddened By A Separation." King Solomon wrote that there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven. The Byrd's also had a song on that same theme called, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)." Just by living life people will come and go. It's not the distance that matters but how you remember them. Keep them close to your heart and they are always living in your footsteps.

9. "Resentment And Complaint Are Appropriate Neither For Oneself Nor Others." Better to focus your energy on bettering yourself or them then causing useless grief. Crying about spilt milk does clean it up or change the situation.

10. "Do Not Let Yourself Be Guided By The Feeling Of Lust Or Love." Respect yourself. Feelings may come and go, but knowledge lasts a lifetime. Never compromise yourself in order to gain the affection of another.

11. "In All Things Have No Preferences." Have an open mind, be ready to try all things. Always follow what the spirit leads you to without hesitation.

12. "Be Indifferent To Where You Live." If your unhappy with where you are, then move, but in time you'll realize it's not where you live but how you live.

13. "Do Not Pursue The Taste Of Good Food." You can see this in evidence today everywhere. Eat for nourishment and eat to be full. By living the life of a ronin, Mushashi learned the value of appreciating a full stomach. A taste for good food can be as harmful as any other addiction.

14. "Do Not Hold On To Possessions You No Longer Need." If it no longer benefits with you, part with it freely. Give it to someone who can appreciate it.

15. "Do Not Act Following Customary Beliefs." Think and act for yourself. Act how you think you should act, and not how others say you should. You only have one chance to decide for yourself. Jesus himself condemned the customs of men (by the hand of the Pharisees) that over burdened his people with useless traditions, instead of filling them the truth of His word.

16. "Do Not Collect Weapons Or Practice With Weapons Beyond What Is Useful." A tribute to his time but apt advice depending on how you apply it. It's better to be a master swordsman than an apprentice in many weapons.

17. "Do Not Fear Death." It may be the hardest thing for some people to do. Easier as the years past for some, harder as they do for others. Everyone dies, Everyone comes to terms differently. The best way to do it is identify what scares you the most about it and work from there. Consider that if see ourselves already dead (to our wants and desires), then we are free to live (for God and the good of others).

18. "Do Not Seek To Possess Either Goods Or Fiefs For Your Old Age." What good will they do when your gone? Apt advice as well, live usefully and collect what is useful. Don't waste your time when you can spend your time bettering yourself.

19. "Respect Buddha And The Gods Without Counting On Their Help." There's an old saying that says do your best and give God the rest. Tackle the endeavors you know are within your capabilities, unless inspired by God to do otherwise. If you pray to Him for strength, then He will put you in situations to find it. There's nothing wrong with faith in God, but most people lack the practical works that should couple their beliefs. In other words, they ask Him to do what they themselves should be doing.

20. "You May Abandon Your Own Body But You Must Preserve Your Honor." Don't do anything you can't live with for the rest of your life. Actions always speak louder than any words.

21. "Never Stray From The Way." If you live a certain way, either devote yourself wholly to it or cast it aside. If you can't bring yourself to place complete conviction in your actions then why do them? In Christianity, we say that Jesus is the way. Meaning that we must endeavor to follow His works and words at all times.

Lastly, I have been practicing martial arts since 1986 and hold two black belts. One in Tae Kwon Do, and the other in Combat Hapkido. Also holding various other belts in Karate, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and Goshin Jitsu. So I also respect and follow the martial arts.

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<h1>Miyamoto Musashi</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Steve-0.aspx'>Steve-0</a> Miyamoto Musashi

He was a Japanese swordsman and rōnin (a samurai without a master). Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. Miyamoto Musashi was the founder of the Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and the author of The Book of Five Rings. It's a book on strategy, tactics and philosophy that is still studied today. He is widely considered as one of the greatest warriors of all time.

The samurai followed a warrior's code called Bushido. It was similar to the medieval knights code of chivalry. Samurai were fighting men, skilled in martial arts. They had extensive skills in the use of the bow and arrow, and the sword. They could just as easily kill a person with their own bare hands. In fact, Aiki-Jitsu (Aikido is a form of it) was a based on the fighting needs of the Samurai. They were also great horsemen.

Musashi killed his first opponent (an adult swordsman) at the age of thirteen. He also fought in major pitched battles, and never lost a single duel. He developed a two-sword technique that was never mastered by anyone except himself. He was also famous for his cunning and grasp of the psychology of battle. Miyamoto was and is still considered even 450 years after his death, the ultimate warrior who embodies what it was to be a samurai.

Bruce Lee and Miyamoto Musashi were two great masters who both agreed that at the peak of their respected martial arts styles, that mastery of them ended with a formless form. They believed that combat was spontaneous, and that a martial artist cannot predict it but only react to it. Bruce Lee even said that a good martial artist should "Be like water." Which is to move fluidly or instinctively, without any hesitation. (It's too bad he did not realize the importance of water baptism in the name of Jesus). Miyamoto said that "fixation (rigidness) was the way to death, and fluidity the way to life." I have met and trained with the famous Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, and he has said the same exact thing.

Musashi's book (The Book of five Rings) reveals his techniques and strategies. He also wrote these final words a week before his death. It is named, "The Way to be Followed Alone." This work is 21 lines long, each line contains a different idea one would live by.

1. "Accept Everything Just The Way It Is." Excellent advice. Rather than worry or fret about what's going on around you, accept it. God is in control of it all anyway, we must know His will and way in order to complete our lives in Him.
 
2. "Do Not Seek Pleasure For It's Own Sake." Many people do not heed this warning. Anyone who has lived a while will understand the pains of losing family or friends to addictions and lusts. The Apostle Paul wrote that let your moderation be known to all those around you. Even as any athlete must be disciplined, lest they lose out in the sport of which he or she has chosen.
 
3. "Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Depend On A Partial Feeling." You must be sure of where you put your foot before you step. The meaning here is not to get confused, to keep your head clear, and only act when you're certain. The Bible says that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
 
4. "Think Lightly Of Yourself And Deeply Of The World." Remain humble. How are you to hear wisdom if you only hear yourself? If you only walk around with eyes for yourself, you'll miss the details of the world around you. Paying attention to the world let's you better appreciate the results of your actions, as well as giving you insight into things you would otherwise miss.
 
5. "Be Detached From Desire Your Whole Life Long." Be content with that which God has given to you. Always continue on with your goals in life, but don't let them rule you. Don't dwell on what others have when you can make your own.
 
6. "Do Not Regret What You Have Done." Understand your actions. If you disprove of how you are, don't constantly regret the past and be bitter. Work to understand yourself, put it past you, and live your life how you should. The Apostle Paul wrote that we should "forget those things behind us, and press forward."

7. "Never Be Jealous." It's a waste of time. Spend your energy productively. All that time scheming could achieve a lot of other things.
 
8. "Never Let Yourself Be Saddened By A Separation." King Solomon wrote that there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven. The Byrd's also had a song on that same theme called, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)." Just by living life people will come and go. It's not the distance that matters but how you remember them. Keep them close to your heart and they are always living in your footsteps.
 
9. "Resentment And Complaint Are Appropriate Neither For Oneself Nor Others." Better to focus your energy on bettering yourself or them then causing useless grief. Crying about spilt milk does clean it up or change the situation. 
 
10. "Do Not Let Yourself Be Guided By The Feeling Of Lust Or Love." Respect yourself. Feelings may come and go, but knowledge lasts a lifetime. Never compromise yourself in order to gain the affection of another.
 
11. "In All Things Have No Preferences." Have an open mind, be ready to try all things. Always follow what the spirit leads you to without hesitation.
 
12. "Be Indifferent To Where You Live." If your unhappy with where you are, then move, but in time you'll realize it's not where you live but how you live. 
 
13. "Do Not Pursue The Taste Of Good Food." You can see this in evidence today everywhere. Eat for nourishment and eat to be full. By living the life of a ronin, Mushashi learned the value of appreciating a full stomach. A taste for good food can be as harmful as any other addiction.
 
14. "Do Not Hold On To Possessions You No Longer Need." If it no longer benefits with you, part with it freely. Give it to someone who can appreciate it. 
 
15. "Do Not Act Following Customary Beliefs." Think and act for yourself. Act how you think you should act, and not how others say you should. You only have one chance to decide for yourself. Jesus himself condemned the customs of men (by the hand of the Pharisees) that over burdened his people with useless traditions, instead of filling them the truth of His word.
 
16. "Do Not Collect Weapons Or Practice With Weapons Beyond What Is Useful." A tribute to his time but apt advice depending on how you apply it. It's better to be a master swordsman than an apprentice in many weapons.
 
17. "Do Not Fear Death." It may be the hardest thing for some people to do. Easier as the years past for some, harder as they do for others. Everyone dies, Everyone comes to terms differently. The best way to do it is identify what scares you the most about it and work from there. Consider that if see ourselves already dead (to our wants and desires), then we are free to live (for God and the good of others).
 
18. "Do Not Seek To Possess Either Goods Or Fiefs For Your Old Age." What good will they do when your gone? Apt advice as well, live usefully and collect what is useful. Don't waste your time when you can spend your time bettering yourself.
 
19. "Respect Buddha And The Gods Without Counting On Their Help." There's an old saying that says do your best and give God the rest. Tackle the endeavors you know are within your capabilities, unless inspired by God to do otherwise. If you pray to Him for strength, then He will put you in situations to find it. There's nothing wrong with faith in God, but most people lack the practical works that should couple their beliefs. In other words, they ask Him to do what they themselves should be doing.
 
20. "You May Abandon Your Own Body But You Must Preserve Your Honor." Don't do anything you can't live with for the rest of your life. Actions always speak louder than any words.
 
21. "Never Stray From The Way." If you live a certain way, either devote yourself wholly to it or cast it aside. If you can't bring yourself to place complete conviction in your actions then why do them? In Christianity, we say that Jesus is the way. Meaning that we must endeavor to follow His works and words at all times.
 
Lastly, I have been practicing martial arts since 1986 and hold two black belts. One in Tae Kwon Do, and the other in Combat Hapkido. Also holding various other belts in Karate, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and Goshin Jitsu. So I also respect and follow the martial arts.

About the Author: Wikipedia, The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Miyamoto-Musashi_95249.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Miyamoto Musashi_95249.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Miyamoto Musashi_95249.aspx

Author Resource :
Wikipedia, The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi

Keywords : Miyamoto Musashi, Bruce Lee, Samurai, black belt, technique, water, form, Japan, Bushido, code, fighting, combat, Aikido, Ju Jitsu, duel, ki,

Category : Recreation and Sports : Martial Arts

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