Chapter 1: The Legacy of Miyamoto Musashi

Delve into the life and insights of Miyamoto Musashi, the famed samurai known not only for his swordsmanship but also for his deep wisdom and artistic pursuits.

Musashi was a formidable samurai who emerged victorious in over 60 lethal duels, maintaining an unblemished record. Beyond being a skilled warrior, he was also an artist, painter, poet, and Zen practitioner.

In a previous discussion, we explored the early years of Musashi's life, focusing on themes like the importance of practice over theory, the value of solitude, and the necessity of pragmatism for survival. This article will examine the latter part of his journey and the valuable lessons that can be drawn from it, concluding with an actionable summary.

At the age of 30, following his final duel with Kojiro, Musashi began to reflect on his life. He questioned whether his victories stemmed from genuine knowledge or merely luck. Although he did not abandon his sword, he sought to explore the broader meaning of the Way through various endeavors.

The Path of the Warrior

"I thought lightly of myself and profoundly of the world."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Dokkōdō

By age 34, Musashi participated in another significant battle. At 36, he became a guest of the Honda clan, during which he adopted a son named Mikinosuke. By 37, he expanded his creative interests to include town planning along with his artistic endeavors.

This blend of combat and creativity embodies the concept of "bunbu ryōdō," which Musashi embraced in the latter half of his life.

Bunbu Ryodo 文武両道

The first character 文 (bun) refers to arts or literature, while 武 (bu) pertains to martial or military skills. The character 両 (ryo) means both, and 道 (do) signifies a path. Collectively, they signify the harmony between the arts of the brush and the sword.

The ideal warrior of Musashi's era was proficient in martial skills while also excelling in artistic pursuits, such as calligraphy and garden design. This balance remains relevant today for individuals seeking both mental and physical engagement, emphasizing the importance of holistic development.

Clear Observation

"Perceive and know what cannot be seen with the eyes."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

Musashi's keen observation skills played a critical role in both his combat and artistic practices. This ability went beyond mere sight; it required a focused and intentional approach to observing the world.

"One's gaze should be expansive and far-reaching. This is the dual gaze of 'looking in' (kan) and 'looking at' (ken). The gaze for 'looking in' is intense, whereas that for 'looking at' is gentle."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

Ken (looking at) represents rational thought, where one mimics techniques step by step. Conversely, Kan (looking in) pertains to intuition, alerting one to danger before it becomes apparent. This duality of observation greatly aided Musashi in his artistic endeavors, allowing him to attune to the rhythms of nature.

As an artist, he designed gardens, painted, practiced calligraphy, and even undertook town planning. Each of these artistic expressions required acute observation.

All Arts Go Together (A Multidisciplinary Approach)

Musashi articulated nine principles for mastering the Way and enhancing combat strategy, two of which are:

"Acquaint yourself with all arts." - Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

"Know the Ways of all vocations." - Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

This suggests that to truly grasp the essence of the Way—especially in combat strategy—one must broaden their horizons and explore various disciplines. A modern parallel can be drawn with Steve Jobs, who merged art and technology in Apple products. By learning across diverse fields, we can create innovative connections that may not have existed previously.

The Way

"I never drifted from the Way of Combat Strategy."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Dokkōdō

At 45, Musashi faced personal loss with the death of Lord Honda and the ritual suicide of his adopted son Mikinosuke. During this time, he adopted a second son, Iori, who served the Ogasawara Clan, where Musashi became a guest.

In my earlier exploration, I defined the Way as a path toward mastery and self-improvement—a pursuit of excellence in one’s chosen field and a quest to master oneself. Further insight into Musashi's philosophy suggests that the Way serves as a fundamental guiding force in all aspects of life. Its essence may be elusive and open to interpretation, reflecting how we internalize Musashi's teachings.

The way we do one thing is the way we do everything

"If you know the Way broadly, you will see it in everything."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

Musashi’s artistic endeavors enriched his swordsmanship, while his martial skills enhanced his artistic pursuits—each discipline contributing to a deeper understanding of the universal principles that govern all paths.

I observe that many athletes excel in life after their sporting careers, possibly due to their discipline and resilience, skills that translate well into new pursuits.

Everyday Mind

A core element of Musashi's philosophy is cultivating an Everyday Mind.

"With all martial art postures, it is essential to maintain a combat posture in your everyday life and an everyday posture in combat."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

In a duel, focusing too much on your stance may hinder your intuition and open-mindedness. Therefore, it’s vital to practice what we wish to master in every aspect of life, whether in daily routines or high-stakes situations.

Musashi's insights suggest that our mindset during combat should mirror our everyday mental state—expansive and composed, without tension or casualness.

Practicing the Way

To integrate Musashi's teachings into our lives:

• Discover a path that resonates with you.
• Recognize that no Way is superior to another.
• Pursue excellence in every endeavor.
• Embrace continual practice based on reality.
• Seek a balance between physical and mental training.
• Apply the principle that how we approach one task reflects our approach to all.
• Maintain an Everyday Mind.
• Remain committed to your chosen path.

"In the practice of all Ways and arts, there is such a thing as wayward spirit. You may believe that you are practicing your discipline conscientiously and are on the right path, but you will deviate from the true Way if your mind wanders."

• Miyamoto Musashi | Gorin no Sho

Distractions and challenges can divert us from our path, but it is our responsibility to remain present and focused on our journey. Ultimately, it is our life and our Way.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this exploration of Musashi’s teachings.

Sources:

[1] All of Miyamoto Musashi's Quotes translated by Alexander Bennett

The Complete Musashi by Alexander Bennett

The first video explores the principles of Bushido, the way of the warrior, as articulated in Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings," offering insights into his philosophy and approach to life.

The second video delves into the Warrior's Code, presenting Musashi's "Dokkodo" and its implications for personal conduct and discipline in life.