Many years ago I read the ‘Art of War’ by Sun Tzu and this lead me to recently picking up a copy of “The Book of 5 rings” by Miyamoto Musashi who wrote this in 1643.
Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, writer and ronin. Musashi was renowned through stories of his excellent and unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels.
This book is written from a culturally different perspective (than my own) and I like how the themes in the book challenged my thinking, perception and view of the world. It is a unique read, and it is important to get the context in which it was written as it does have a strong martial arts tenant running through the book.
The Book of 5 Rings is written as 5 sub books entitled Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Void each focusing on a different area:
·Earth – Timing and strategy
·Water – Balance/Flexibility. It is about your outlook on life, your world view and spirituality.
·Fire - Fighting methods
·Wind – Knowledge of one’s self and your opponent and their methods
·Void – Human knowledge, learning and “what cannot be seen”
The key nine principles in the book can be well applied to life and leadership (even though the original book was written for swordsman/samurai) and the book focuses on self-mastery, discipline and harmony.
The nine key principles of the book are as follows:
1. Do not think dishonestly
Think honestly and truthfully. Do not harbor sinister designs.
2. The Way is in training
One must always continue to train.
3. Become acquainted with every art
By cultivating a wide range of interest in the “ten skills” and the “ten arts,” one can definitely find themselves following the Way and develop oneself.
4. Know the Way of all professions
Be knowledgeable in a variety of occupations and learn the thinking of people who work in them.
5. Know the difference between loss and gain in worldly matters
Knowing when to accept loss and how to carry gain allows for sure step on the Way.
6. Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything
Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters. It is important to build up an intuitive judgment and understand true values.
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
Be aware of those things which cannot be easily seen with the eye. Develop intuitive judgment and a mind that freely controls one’s body.
8. Pay attention even to trifles
Do not be negligent but pay attention even to the smallest details. Keep them in mind all the time, so as to avoid unexpected failure.
9. Do nothing which is of no use
Don’t engage in useless activity. Don’t argue about useless things. Concentrate on your duties.
Some of the quotes that resonated with me from the book include:
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain”
“You can only fight the way you practice”
“It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.”
“If you wish to control others you must first control yourself”
“Get beyond love and grief: exist for the good of Man.”
“All man are the same except for their belief in their own selves, regardless of what others may think of them”
“If you do not control the enemy, the enemy will control you”
“Do nothing that is of no use”
“Perceive that which cannot be seen by the eye”
"The gaze should be large and broad. This is the two-fold gaze, perception and sight. Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things."
Although this book was written almost 400 years ago the knowledge and wisdom is still relevant for today’s world. If you are looking to read something different then I would check this out.
What is your favourite quote or principal from The Book of 5 Rings?
Comment below.
This article is originally published at www.matthewcossens.com/blog/
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