Miyamoto Musashi's Dokkodo - 21 Teachings Continued
Published February 26th, 2023 by Sabah V.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
Everyone dies eventually. While grief is a normal emotion – truly understand that everything comes to an end.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
Resentment and complaint are both self-inflicting harms. It will only hurt you so it is best to steer clear from these emotions.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
For a Ronin like Musashi, it was important for him to steer clear from a romantic partner. As it would make it more difficult for him to put his life on the line in battle. Love and lust are both desires that lead someone to make errors.
In a society where lust is everywhere, Musashi states to steer clear from it to maintain a clear mind.
11. In all things have no preferences.
Having preferences will cause you to be disappointed when you receive an out one that is not aligned with your expectations. Having no preferences opens you up to many new aspects of life.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
While this may be more true for Musashi who had to travel a lot as a Ronin, it stays true for many today. It is not about where you live, but what you do with the location you are given.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
Musashi did not pursue delicious food like he did not pursue many glamorized luxuries. Food is meant to be a source of nutrition, not another form of entertainment. We should eat to provide our body with healthy nutrients.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
Musashi lived a very minimalistic lifestyle. Holding onto possessions you no longer require is useless, as it takes up space and creates attachments that you do not need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
This is Musashi’s way of saying “don’t be a sheep”. Think for yourself. Think of the customary belief in Nazi Germany at the time. Just because the majority of people follow something, it doesn’t make it right.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
This can be used in modern society today. Many people collect a variety of guns beyond what is useful. If you want to arm yourself, pick something that you can practice with the most to become the most accustomed to.
It is better to be highly skilled with one weapon than to be decent with many.
17. Do not fear death.
It is pointless to fear death because we have no idea what it is.
For all we know, death could be more amazing than life itself. For this reason, it is pointless to fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
Tomorrow may never come. According to Musashi, there is no point in slaving to retirement if you may never be able to enjoy that money at that old age.
Although it is a big part of society today: Musashi advises against saving up for things such as retirement.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
Respect the higher power you believe in. But realize that you cannot beg for their help in every misfortune you find yourself in.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
One day we will all die. It is the way of the samurai to die with honor. Once you are gone, all that is left is the type of person you were. It is important to die with honor and leave a legacy.
21. Never stray from the way
The way is different for everyone. Find your purpose and never stop following it. This is your destiny and you must fulfill it.